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Photographic 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


\ 


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Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


n 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagde 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pellicul^e 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
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have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  ^X6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mdthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


I      I    Coloured  pages/ 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculdes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  ddcolordes,  tachet^es  ou  piqudes 

Pages  detached/ 
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Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  indgale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materia 
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Only  edition  available/ 
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I      I  Pages  damaged/ 

r~7l  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~7|  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I      I  Pages  detached/ 

r~7|  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I      I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I      I  Only  edition  available/ 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totaiement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure. 
etc.,  ont  6X6  filmdes  d  nouveau  de  fapon  6 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous 

10X                            14X                             18X                            22X 

26X 

30X 

y 

.._..-:.i.  ^ 

m 

16X 

-- 

20X 

24X                             28X                             32X 

aire 

I  details 
|ues  du 
t  modifier 
ger  une 
B  filmage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanics 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library, 

National  IMuMumi  of  Canada 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  In  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  film*  fut  reproduit  grAce  d  la 
g^nArositi  de: 

BibliotMque 

Mut<es  Nationaux  du  Canada 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin.  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  netteti  de  I'exempiaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


/ 
jdes 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  bacit  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  ImprimAe  sont  fiimis  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  emprelnte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmis  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  emprelnte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
emprelnte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


lire 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc..  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  Illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  6tre 
film6s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  11  est  f  ilm6  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas.  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


!}y  errata 
ed  to 

)nt 

me  pelure, 

aqon  d 


1  2  3 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

V 


V 


7 


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\%.S  THREE     YEARS 

T   R   AVE    L   S, 

THROUGH     T'H'B^ 

•         r 

Interior  Parts  of  North-AmerIv^.^ 

foR    MORE    THAN  %,      » 

FIVE   THOUSAND   MI'LES, 


CONTAINING, 

An -Account  of  the  great  Lakes,  and  all  the  Lakes^ 
Jflands,  and  Rivers,  Catarads,  Mountains,  Minerals^ 
Soil  and  Vegetable  Produdions  of  the  NorthWeJi 
Regions  of  that  vaji  Continent; 

W  I  T  H     A  '  " 

4  i 

DESCRIPTIONo/t//^  BIRDS,  BEASTS,  REPTILES, 
INSECTS,    and  FISHES  peculiar  to  the  COUNTRY. 

TOGETHER   WITH    A    CONCISE  ^: jfx^ 

HISTORY  oft/je  GENIUS,  MANNERS,  ^/»i 
CUSTOMS  of  f//f  INDIANS 

inhabiting  the  Lands  that  lie  adjacent  to  the  Heads  and  to  the 
Wcftward  of  the  great  Rivar  MiJ/lJfippi;  .    - 

•  A  N  D     A  N  ^ 

A*      P      P       E       N       D       I       X, 

Defer ibing  the  uncultivated  Parts  of  America  tl&t  are  th© 
^  moll  proper  for  forming  Settlements. 


By  Captain  JONATHAN'  CARVER^ 

'      OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  TROt)PS  IN  AMERICA, 


d    OR 


.-»?"•. 


PHILADELPHIA: 


tRINTEO    AND   SOLD   BY    JOSEPH   CRUKSHANK  IN  MARKET- STRBET> 
AA'D   ROBERT   RELL,     IN   TI1IRD-STRE£Ta 


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JOSEPH   BANKS/Esq; 


P  R  E  S  I  D  E  N*T 


OFT  II  E 


S-y 


ROYAL    SOCIETY.    . 


„-v  ■ 


SIR, 

WHEN  the  Public  are  informed  that 
I  have  long  had  the  Honour  of  your 

Acquaintance- that  my  Defign  in  publiflT'.ng 

-    the  following  W'>rk  has  received  your  Sandlion 

t% that  the  Compofition  of  it  has  flood  the 

Teft  of  your  Judgment and  that  it  is  by 

yotur  PermifTion  a  Name  fo  defer vedly  eminent 
in  the  Literary  World  is  prefixed  to  it^  I  need 
not  be  apprehenfive  of  its  Succcfe^'^.as  your 


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♦    DEDICATION, 


im- 


Patronage  villi  unqneftionably  give  them  Al^ 

furance  of  its  Merit. 

* 

For  this  public  Teflimony  of  your  Favour, 
in  which  I  pride  myfelf,  accept,  Sir,  my  moil 
grateful  Acknowledgments;  and  believe  me  t^ 
be,  with  great  Refped, 


V. 


Your  obedient    , 


*'i 


humble  Servant, 


J.    CARVER,     I 


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THESECOND     EDITION. 

rlJ  R  favourable  recsption  this  Work  has  met  with,  clatms  the 
Author's  moji  grntifid  acknowledgments.  A  large  edition  hat- 
ing run  off  in  a  few  months,  and  the  fnle  appearing  to  be  JUll  wir 
abated,  a  new  imprej/ion  is  become  fieceffary.  On  thitoccajion  wax 
he  to  conceal  his  feelings,  and  pafs  over,  in  filence,  a  diJiinCiion  fo 
beneficial  and  flattering,  he  wotddjujlly  incur  the  imputation  of  ingra- 
titude. That  he  might  not  do  this,  he  takes  the  (Opportunity,  which 
now  prefcnts  itfelf  of  conveying  to  the  Public  (though  in  terms  inade- 
quate to  the  warm  emotions  of  his  heart)  the  fenfe  he  entertains  of  their 
favour  I  and  thus  tranfmits  to  them  his  thanks.  '•*"=?.  •.         ■^„ 

In  this  new  edition,  care  has  been  taken  to  reRify  thofe  errofs  which 
have  unavoidably  proceeded  from  the  hurry  of  the  prefs^  and  likewife 
any  incorreUnefs  in  the  language  that  has  found  ilis  way  into  it. 

■t      )  *^  ■■'«'' - 

The  credibility  of  fume  of  the  incidents  related*'%n  tfie  following 
pages,  and  fome  of  the  flories  introduced  tierein,  having'  been  quefti-^ 
oned,  particularly  the  prognojlication  of  the  Indian  prieji  on  the  bankf 
of  Lake  Superior,  and  the  Jiory  of  the  Indian  and  his  rattle  fnake, 
the  author  thirds  it  neccffary  to  avail  himfelf  of  the  fame  opportunity, 
to  dhdeavour  to  eradicate  any  impreffions  that  might  have  been  made  on 
the  minds  of  his  readers,  by  the  apparenl;  [nxlirolmbility  of  thefe  rela- 
tions, '*    ■  '  :^,. 


^ 


.vi 


D    D    R    E 


S    S. 


tmntsifn  hy  luttml  cmfis.  "J'«  Jttls  Om  amiH  be  ac. 


* 


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f/«/'-^  ««3'm;w/w  '^  ^'T'fi''''^^  their jpuir'    "rl"yj'";^M' 
*"^l^  explanations  thp  n„t J.     i  m  ^- 


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C   O    N   T.E   NT   S. 


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Page 

ibicf. 
2^ 


T  N  T  R  0  DUCT! 

TIi'j  An^Jior  Jets  out  from  Bojlon  o;i  his  Ttavels, 
Defcription  of  Fort  Michillimdckinac,  •  -  - 
if  Fort  Le  Bay, 

—————  the  Green  Bay,  •  «  rf* 

-    ■        Lake  Michi<rait,       •       *• 

Arrives  at  the  Town  <f  tlte  IVimiebagoes 

Excurjiou  of  the  IVinmbagoes  towards  the  Spauifh  Settlcment^Sf 

Defer ipt ion  of  ilu.  Winnebago  Lake, 

Injlance  of  Refohaion  of  an  Indian  WomaUy         -       '  *y..   - 

Defcription  of  ths  Fox  River,  •  -         -         - 

Remarkable  Story  of  a  Rattle  Snake,         -  -         .     • 

The  great  7W(i  of  the  Saukies,         -         -  •  . 

Upper  Town  of  the  Ottagaumiefy      '- ^  -         -      •''*'♦ 

Defcription  of  the  Ou^onfin  River,  *         -  % 

Lower  Town  of  the  Ottagatmies,  or  La  Prairie  Le  Chien, 

An  Attack  by  fomc  Indian  Plunderers,  "";..';,#■   . 

Defcription  of  the  Mijfijfippi  from  the  Mo^h  of  the  Ouifconjin  to 
Lake  PelAfiy  *-  -  .:-"a  ;       -  •       St 


27 

AS 

3Q 

31 
ib. 

'34 
ib. 

ib. 

35 


Lake  Pepin, 


Remarkable  Ruins  of  an  aticiei0f'Qrtificati9iU^  *■ 

The  River  Bunds  of  the  Naiulowejfte  Indians, 

jidventure  with  a  Party  of  thcfe,  (^nttji/uie  of  the^hipewayf. 


.Jlr'. 


ihi 
37 

■   3-a 


i< 


\. 


.''it 


ejihpttm 


Via 


CONTENTS. 


t 
v! 


..^l 


I 


^-    f. 


r 


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% 


Dcfcription  of  a  remarkable  Crjvtf, 

Uncommon  Behaviour  «/  the  Piince  of  the  Jllnmbagoci  ai  the  Falls 

of  St.  Aithoii^t  '  ■  -  •  ' 

Dcfctiftm  of  the  Falhy         ...  . 

F.xtent  ff  the  Author's  TritvalSi 
Ddfcriptioft  of  the  River  St.  PicrrJ, 
Sour(;es  ff  the  Four  great  Rivers  ^  iVoith  Jvierica^ 

ReJkStioiis  on  their  AO'^'^^^h 

The  Naudoi\>eJJles  of  the  Flaiiis^  with  whom  the  Julhor  wintered 
in  the  Year  1766, 45 

Tlie  Author  returns  to  the  M^uth  (f  the  River  St.  Pierre,  47 

./ccotmt  if  n  violent  Thunder  florm^  -  -  •l^* 

Speech  made  b>/  the  Jnthor  in  a  Council  held  hj  the  Natidoweffief 
at  the  great  Cave^  -  -  -  -  48 

Adventure  with  a  Party  ff  Indians  near  Lake  Pcpin^         -  5^ 

Dffrription  of  the  Country  adjacent  t9  the  River  St.  Pierre ,  '  .    53 

Account  (if  different  Clays  found  near  the  Marble  Rivtr,     -  -  ib» 

D(fcription  of  the  Chipcway  River^             •           *'  _.'    •  -      ib. 

F.xtraordinary  EffeUs  of  a  Hurricane^         .     •       •  -         -  54 

The  Author  arrives  at  the  Grand  Portage  on  the  Northwejl  Bor- 
ders of  Lake  Superior y  -  -  -     .      -  5  S 

Account  of  the  Lakes  lying  farther  to  the  North  wrjl:  Lake  Bour- 
bon, Lake  irinnepetk,  Lake  Da  Hois,  Lake  La  Pluye,  Red 
Lake,  (s^c.  -  -  -  -        .    -         -      >b. 

Accatmt  of  a  Nation  of  Indians  fuppofrd  to  have  been  tributary  to 
the  Mexican  Kings,  .  -     ^       -  -■  59 

'•—•  thejhining  Mountains,  -  -  -     60 

Afingular  Prediction  of  the  Chief  Priejl  (f  the  Kdliflimes  verifkd  61 

Dtfcri[jtion  of  Lake  Superior,  'jr^i 

Story  of  the  two  Chipcways  landing  on  the  Iflvid  of  Mauropas, 

Account  of  great  Quantities  of  Copper  Ore,  .    *  ^    - 

Defcription  of  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie,         -  *.  " 

•  '         Lake  Huron,         '-  <%^  \  >     i   t^'"%'\  ' 

••  Saganatnn  and  Thunder  B<i\^},         -       ' 


20 

1     ^ 

* 

H' 

40 

■       y/i 

41 

«       0 

4^        1 

|9 

43 

^H  *" 

44 

9  - 

lb. 

^B 

H 

67 
68 
ib. 

Extraordinary  Pkenomenon  in  the  Stj'afvhts  of  MicJiillimackinat,$,  70 
Defcription  of  Lake  St.  Cliirc,  .,       •  -     •      -;  .  ■  '    t"?* 


■» 

-•!^ 


i 


CONTENTS. 


i« 


f  at  the  Fails 

40 

-  42 
43 

44 
ib. 

Jior  wintered 

-  45 

.•rrCy  47 

ib. 

Naudowcfficf 

48 

-*  51 

'.    53 

-  ib. 

-  ib. 

5V 
thwejl  Dor- 

55 

f^nke  Ptmiv- 
Pluye,    Red 

■      ib. 

tributary  to 

59 
■     60 
loes  vcrijkd  6 1 

ittropas,        65 

67 

-  68 

ib. 


■v'* 


ti.'fcrlptim  of  the  River ,  Town^  and  Fort  of  Detroit ^            *  71 

Hemmliahle  Rain  at  Detroit,             •            •             •        •  72 

Attack  of  Fart  Detroit  by  Pontine,         -      J*   .'        •            .  jb. 

JUtfcript ion  of  Lake  Erie,                •                -         -             •  77 

— the  River  and  Falis  of  Niagara,              •  •          *"  'f^ 

"'                    Lflt^a  Ontario,               •       •    » '      • .        •  lb» 

.-■  '    — the  Oniada  Lake,    Lake  Chaviplain,    and  Lake 

George, 79 

Account  of  a  TraB  tf  Land  granted  to  Sir  Fcrdinando  Gorges, 

and  Captain  John  Mafon,         -        -         .         ,         .  80 

The  Authur's  Motives  for  undertaking  his  Travels,          |        •  8X 


«      • 


CHAPTER     I. 


The  Origin  of  the  Indiant,  •  • 

Sentiments  of  various  Writers  on  this  Point, 

" Monfieur  Charlevoix, 

■'  ' James  Adair,  Efq; 

• the  Author  of  this  Work, 

Cvrroporation  of  the  latter  hy  Do^or  Robcrtfoii 


V, 


t 

* 

83 

h 

a 

•• 

84 

' 

'• 

m 

87 

m 

• 

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91 

m 

• 

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9;. 

n. 

■4 

It 

gd 

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* 

.d. 

-v 

yk^- 


C  H  A  P  T  E  il    II. . 

,     *     ,  --.  f        '^ 

:  '  > 

0/  the  Petfons,  Drefs,  (^c.  of  the  Indians, 
An  AccoutH  of  thofe  who  have  \Vritten  on  this  SubjeS, 
Dcfcription  of  the  Perfons  of  \he  Indians,  "*        -        .* 
— — — — —  their  Drefs,  •  -         »        . 

the  Drefs  of  the  Ottagaumies, 
the  Drefs  of  the  Naudowejpes,  jjt 


*=i 


W    If     I      M 


15r/i(?  Manner  in  which  tiiey  build  their  Tents  and  ftittrj- 
Tlieir^imneftic  Ut^ftls,         '  -      ,.     f,.;.,      - 

8    :  CH 


AP 


-    97 
^ib. 

•    99 
100 

ib. 

102 

ib. 

Tea 


^1 


r^ 


^ 


*       CONTENTS 


w 


CHAPTER     Iff. 


^-   :^ 


Of  the  Maimers,  OuaUjicatms,  ^c.  of  the  Indians, 

JP#fitt/wr  Cttjloins  of  the  Women^  •  .       «    - 

The  drcumjpe&  and  Jloical  Difpojttion  of  the  M^n, 

Their  amazing  Sagacity,  -  • 

The  Liberality  of  th  Indians,  and  their  Opinion  rcfpe&ingMme;/  107" 

CHAPTER      IV.  ' 


*      104 
io5 


Their  Method  of  reckoning  Time,  ^c. 

The  Names  by  which  they  dijlinguijh  the  Months, 

Tlteir  Idea  of  tlte  Ufe  of  Figures, 


•^'■'i 


■m 


CHAPTER     V, 


109 


.If 
m 


#'"^ 


0/  their  Government,  ^c.  • 

Their  Divifjon  into  Tribes, 

The  Chiefs  of  their  Bands, 

The  (Hembersjhat  compofe  their  Councils,. 


-    ir^ 
ih. 
lit 
11% 


CHAPTER     VI. 

Of  their  Feajls,        --.-.. 
Their  ufunl  Food,  -         ...         .        , 

Their  Manner  of  drej/lng  aiid  eating  their  ViUuals, 


113 

ib. 

ib. 


CHAPTER      Vir. 


Of  their  Dances, 


J 


The  Manner  in  which  they  iancc, 
TU  Pipe  orCjliimatti  DanceX 


The  H^ar  Dange, 


-^     / 


V 


%f 


i 


'-r 


114^ 

IIS 
tb. 

ib. 

m 


4 


m.  -         ifc. 

*  104 

io5 
UngMonej  107' 


109 


ib. 
lit 


113" 
ib. 


,■**.: 


-*-r:. 


I  IS 
Jb. 

ib. 


^i 


■i:.fi- 

Mil 


> 

CONTENTS. 


.#",•.• 
.,#• 


flte  Pawwaw  Dance, 


ii<? 


^fi  uncommon  Almijfion  into  a  Society  amongjhe  Naudowcjjtes,       ib. 

V/^t-'  D  lice  of  th"  indiam  on  the  Banks  ofmMiJJtJfippU  vefer-    , 

red  to  In  the  Journal,         -        -        "/i     - 

Thu  Dance  of  the  Sacrifice,  »        .        .        -        - 


CHAPTER   vrii.; 

Of  their  Hunting, 

7'heir  Preparation  before  they  fef  out,      .       -         - 

Their  Manner  of  hunting  the  Bear,     - 

, •     Buffalo,  Deer,  (jc. 


"■^;»i^^'    ■ 


'  .k 


■i7! 


lit' 


>v 


—  Beaver, 


1221 

ib. 


CHAPTER     IX. 


f 


125 

ib. 
J  26 
•    12S 


0/  their  Mmner  of  making  War,  ^c. 

The  Indian  Weapons,       -         .         .        • 

Their  Mutivesfor  making  War, 

Preparations  b'efore  they  take  the  Field, 

The  Mannfr  in  whilh  they  folicit  other  Nations  to  become  their 

Auxiliaries^        ^         -         .         .         .        .         .         j^p 

Their  Manner  of  declaring  War,         -         -        -        ••        *    130 

The  Method  of  engaging  their  Enemies,   *     .  ^        -        -  231 

^n  hiflance  of  the  Efficacy  of  it  in  the  Defeat  of  General  Brad- 

doBk,  '  ...        .       ■  .         -        -         ib. 

^  Detnil  of  the  MaJJacre  at  Fa^t  William-Henry  in  the  Tear  1757,  1 32 

Acutenefs  and  Alacrity  of  the  Indians  in  pwfuing  their  Enemies,  137 

Their  Manner  of  Scalpijig,           -           -          •         -        -  ib. 

The  Manner  in  which  they  retreat  a?id  carry  off  their  Prifcners,  138 

A  remarkable  Indanc^  of  Heroifm  in  a  Female  Prifonerf        •  139 

Treatment  of  their  Prifonexs,         *0-^^        f  >■>    •    .  ■•'»      .  J  40 

The  Origin  of  their  felling  Slaves,      •        -      *>;*•       •        •  J4f 


«■ 


*'':^- 


*^ff^:m 


CHAPTER 


■^,> 


■4tilfi 


^w 


Til 


C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S^ 
CHAPTER     X. 


Of  their  Marnier  of  nUthg  Peace,  (^c. 

Account  of  an  Engagement  between  the  Iroquois  and  the  Ottagau- 
mies  and  Saiikies,         ...... 

Manner  in  which  the^  ccnduSi  a  Treaty  of  Peace, 

Defcription  of  the  Pipe  of  Peace, 

— ^ -—  Belts  of  Wampum, 


V/: 


CHAPTER     XI. 


Of  their  Games,         .        -        - 
The  Game  of  the  Ball, 

—  Rowl  or  Platter, 


1 

1' 

il^. 

f 

148 

149 

isa 

T 

^ 

* 

I1 

• 

4 

X5a 

151 

ib. 

' 

s   ■ 


* 


f  C  H  A  P  T  E  R 


XII. 


Of  theitmMarriage  Ceremonies, 1 53 

The  M4nner  in  vfhich  the  Tribes  near  Canada  celebrate  their  Mar- 
riages, -  -  -  -  -  .  J  53.- 

The  Fortn  of  Marriage  among  the  NaudoweJJieSy  •       «         154^ 

Their  Manner  of  carrfmg  on  an  Intrigue,  %  '%  i^^- 

Of  the  Indian  Names  I      ^-^  «        %        «  •        15$. 


.    .{■       CHAPTER     XIII. 

Of  their  Religion,         -         -         •         -,         -         »    "■     • 
Tlteir  Ideas  of  a  Supt  erne  Being,        «  •       .        , 

>y    •  fiiticre  State,    .  •  • 

Of  their  Priejls,       ^  •«,  •^*^  1  .n 

The  Sentiments  of  Others  on  the  religious  Principles  of  the  In- 


dians oppojed,, 

CHAP  T  E  R     XIV. 

Of  their  Dijcofes,  ^c,  •  - 

The  Complaints  ti  ^vhich  thry  are  chiefly  Juhje&,      ^ 


157 

ib. 
159 


160 

*?    161 

Tht 


^. 


/^» 


^r 


^.^^ 


7ie  Ottagau- 


151 

ib. 


-     152 

their  Mar- 
in 

i5i 

'»  15$ 

»5<5 


•       ^57 

«      »      4b. 

•      ib, 
the  In- 
'■      159 


160 

:i<5i 


M^ 


NTS. 


xiit 


^le  Manner  in  which  they  conjlruU  their  SweaHwig  Smes,       ♦    16 1 
The  MctXbds  in  which  they  treat  their  ^if^fwm         *         *      .   ib, 

/In  extraordinary  Itiftance  of  the  Judgrtient  ^'m  Indian  Woman 

in  a  defperate  Cafey  ...  .  .    i^^ 


CHAPTER     XV. 


The  Manner  in  which  they  treat  their  Dead,        -        •         •164.^ 
^  Specimen  of  their  Funeral  Htir angiitis,  •         .    •   >         ib.. 

Their  Method  of  burying  the  Dead,  -  -  •     l<5S^ 

^  fmgular  Injlance  of  parental  ^ffeUicn  in  a  Naudowejfie  JFoman,  166, 

CHAPTER     XVI.^     ''"^i^ 


^  concife  CharaUer  of  the  Indians, 

"j^hdr  perfonal  and  mental  Oiialifications, 

J'heir  public  Chara^er  as  Members  of%Community, 


■ill 


/  r     CHAPTER     XVII. 

Of  their  Language,  Hieroglyphicks,  l^c. 
Of  the  Chipcway  Tongue,  -  - 

P^cfcriptive  Specimen  of  their  Hieroglyphicks,  ^c. 
Yocahulary  of  the  Chipeway  Language,  ^   .. ; 

f        •  Naudowefjie  Language,  * 

CHAPTER     XVIIL 


Of  the  Beajls,  Birds,  F[fl:.es,  Reptiles,  and  Infers,  which  are 

found  in  the  Ifiterior  Parts  of  North  America,        '  ':io*     175», 


167 

1 63 

I6flb    . 

i% 

■■■■  *.  '  " 

xr:  ■->: 

170 

ib. 

171 

17a 

1Z6. 

BEASTS.       - 

The  Tyger.     The  Bear,             -  •   « ; »    ,%  ' 

The  Wolf     TIte  Fox,           •  .          -    ''  '  .  • 

Dftgs.     The  Cat  of  the  Mountain.  The  Buffalo,  ''• 

Tl?  If^er.     The  Elh     The  Moofe,  .  .  ^.  4,. 


X79* 

ib. 
181 


xiV 


CON  TENTS, 


:*     It- 


The  CarraUu.     Th:  Carcajou.     The  Skunk,  n 

The  Porcupine.     The  l^podehuck.     The  Racoon, 

The  Martin.     The  Mujquajb,     S(iidrrdi;  « 

The  Beaver,         f  •     •         ''      ■ 

The  Otter.     The  3fi;;*,  .  -  r  < 

/./  •      BIRDS.      - 

The  Eagle.     The  Night  Hmvk,  •  .  • 

Tlie  Fijlj  Hawk.     The  IVhippmvilU 

The  Owl.     The  Crane.     Ducks.     The  Teal.     The  Lorn, 

The  Partridge,     The  Woodpecker.     The  Wood  Pigeon, 

The  Blue  Jay.     The  Wukon  Bird, 

The  Blackbird.     The  RedbirJ,         •  ,         -         . 

The  JVhetfaw.     The  King  Bird.     The  Humming  Bird, 

"  '   r   FISHES.   '. 


^TJv. 


18? 

183 

18S 

18? 


188 

ib. 

-  185 
19Q 

ib. 

-  191 

it- 


Tin  Sturgeon.     The  Cut  Fifb, 
The  Carp.     Tiie  Ch'ih, 

^■i>.  >  '^■ 


SERPENTS. 


The  Rctple  Sna^<e, 


19^ 
»93 


193 


The  Long  Black  Snake.      The  Striped  or  Qarter  Snake.      Tiie 

Water  Snake.         -        -         -        -,  -         -         -       '95 

The  Hijfmg  Snake.  The  Green  Snake.  The  Tlmrn-tall  Snake. 
The  SptcUed  Snake.  The  Rii.^g  Snake.  The  Iwo-lieaded 
Snake.     The  Turtoife  or  Land  Turtle,        •         -        •■         ig(S 


^  '       '      ^L  I  Z  A  R  D  S.  '  ' 

Tho  Swift  Lizard.     The- Slow  Lizard.     The  Tree  Toad,      196,197 


'< 


'« 

V 


INSECTS. 


..1 


T'!!  Silk  Wur}n.     The  Tobacco  Worm.     The  Bee, 

Th?  Lightning  Bug  or  lire  Fly.     Th:  Water  Bug. 
ed'Bug.     L'jcujl,  -  .   '      --.«•..,■'•. 


The  Horn- 

CHAP- 


m 


.1 


l1- 

-   18S 

18? 


CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER   XIX. 


XY 


Pf  the  Trees,  Shrubs,  Roots,  Herbs,  Flowers, 

TREES. 


■t93| 


% 


Loon, 

on, 


yd. 


188 
ib. 

19Q 

ib. 

191 


193 

193 


193 


w^e.      7"//^ 

»95 

■tail  Snake. 
Vwo-litadcd 

19(5 

(  ■ 

>ad,      196, 

'9? 

The  Oak.     The  Pine  Tree,  -  -  -  I99 

i7ic  Mrt/)/t'.    The  4h.    The  itemlock  Tree,    the  ^afs  or  Uldte      .;.r  .■ 
IVood,  -  -  -  -  "-^  ' 


200 

201 


7/«  IVichpick  or  Suckwick.     The  Button  IVood,    • 

NUT     TREE  S. 

The  Butter  or  Oil  A'ut.     The  Beech  Nv.t, 

27/e  Pecan  Nut.     The  Hickory,  t  • 

F  R  U  I  T      TREES.  *  * 

The  Pine.     The  Mulberry'  Tree.     The  Crab  Aj-ple  Tree.     The 

Plum  Tree.     The  Cherrj  Tree,  -   •         -  -     2C2 

jfV/t?  S-ivect  Cum  Tree,  •  • 


2c:i 


io3 


SHRUBS. 


mr  *- 


»* 


'     ^ 


•#   ..    ,»,■ 


iThemUow.     ShinlVoiuU  -        '       -  '■■    -  503 

77ii?  Sapfras.     The  Prickly  J(b.     The  Moofe  Wood.     The  Spoon 
IVood.     The  Elder,  -  -  -  204 

The  Sh^-uh  Oak.  '  The  Witch  Hazle.     The  Myrtle  JVnx  Tree. 

U'inter  Green.     The  Fcyer  Bujh.     The  Cranberry  Bujh,     20$ 

l^it  Choak  Berry,  -  -  -        yjj^    .  •  ,-£^l.:'      2c6 

ROOTS    and    PLANTS. 

Spikenard.     SiZrfapariUa.     Gi}iftnig,  -  •  ♦      2c6 

Qold  Thread.  '  Salomm's  Seal.    Dmi's  Mli.    .Bkcd  Root,     -    207 


,'?*■• 


\The  Horn- 

CHAP- 


*9- 


^-.J,-' 


-..JI  E  R  B  S. 


xvi  C   O   N  t  E  N  T  S*       ,;„    y       f  ' 

ti  i.  k  B  s. 

Sanicle.  RaKle  Snal^c  "Plantain,  Poor  Robins  Plantain.  Toai 
plantain.  Rack  Liverwort.  Gargit  or  Skoke.  Skunk  Cab- 
bngti  or  Poke,  -  -  .  .  .        20^ 

IVake  Robin.     IVild  Indigo.     Cat  Mint,  -  -  ft05 


FLOWERS,      * 


ib* 


W 


FARINACEOUS   And    LEGUMINOUS 

ROOT  S,    Sec. 


Maize  or  Indian  Corn.     Wild  Rice^ 
fieans.     The  S^napj  -  -     * 


210 
211 


i 


APPENDIX. 

-  -■. .  \ 

Tlte  Prshability  of  the  interior  Paris  of  North  America  becoming  --s.' 
Commercial  Colonics,  -  -     ■  •  iii 

The  Means  by  which  this  might  he  cffo&cd.  -  -  ib. 

Tia^s  of  L'Vid  pointed  out,  on  which  Colonies  may^bo  ejltblifhed 

with  the  greatejl  Advantage,  -  -  -  2l1 

Dijfertation  on  the  Difcovcry  of  a  North-wefl  Paffagc,  -        216 

The  mo[i  certain  Way  of  attaining  it,  -  -         •  ib, 

Plan  propofed  by  Richard  Whifivorth,  Efq;  for  making  an  Attempt     "\ 
from  a  Quarter  lilthcrto  unexplored,        •   -  -         -        217 

The  Rcafm  of  its  being  pojlponcdy  •  g  •-  .       ib* 


%,^ 


m 


if 


#     '^^    ,  .     -. 


^■^  i. 


INTRO 

m       ...  IE 


[    xvii    1 


A^ 


\iatft.     Toaa 
Skunk  Cab- 


2od 
205 


V  h 


INTRODUCTION. 


^ 


-     .    -     ib# 
MINOUS 

i  211 

X. 


■ica  becoming 


bo  ejiahllpsed 


2l6 


ib. 
If 

1^  an  Attempt      , 

-       217 
«         ib< 


NTRO 


^i 


No  foonef  was  the  late  War  with  France  concluded,  and 
Peace  eftablilTied  by  the  Treaty  of  Verfailles  in  the  Year 
1763,  than  I  began  to  confider  (having  rendered  my 
country  Iconic  fervices  during  the  war)  how  I  might  continue 
ftill  ferviceable,  and  contribute,  as  much  as  lay  in  my  power, 
to  make  that  vafl  acquifition  of  territory,  gained  by  Great-Bri- 
tain, in  North  America  advantageous  to  it.  It  appeared  to  mc 
indilpenfably  needful,  that  Government  fhould  be  acquainted  in 
•he  firfl:  place  with  the  true  ftate  of  the  dominions  they  were 
now  become  polTelTed  df.  To  this  purpof^,  I  determined,  as 
the  next  proof  of  my  zeal,  to  explore  the  moft  unknown  parts 
of  them,  and  to  fpare  no  trouble  or  expence  in  acquiring  a 
knowledge  that  promifed  to  be  fo  ufeful  to  my  countrymen.  I 
knew  that  many  obftr.u<^ions  would  arife  to  my  fcheme  from  the 
want  of  good  Maps  and  Charts ;  for  the  French,  whilft  they  re- 
taified  their  power  in  North  America,  had  taken  every  artful 
method  to  keep  all  other  nations,  particularly  the  Englifh,  in  ig- 
norance of  the  concerns  of  the  interior  parts  of  it :  and  to  ac- 
complilTi  this  defign  with  the  greatei;  certainty,  they  had  publilhed 
inaccurate  maps  and  falfe  accounts;  calling  the  different  nations 
«f  the  Indians  by  nicknames  they  had  given  them,  and  not  by 
thofe  really  appertaining  to  them.  Whether  the  intention  of 
the  French  in  doing  this,  was  to  prevent  thefe  nations  from  be- 
ing difcovered  and  traded  with,  or  to  conceal  their  difcourfe, 
j^'hen  they  talked  to  each  other  of  the  Indian  concerns,  in  their 
prefence,  I  will  not  determine ;  but  whatfoever  was  the  caufe 
from  which  it  arofe,  it  tended  to  millead. 

As  a  proof  that  the  Englilh  had  been  greatly  deceived  by  thefe 
accounts,  and  that  their  knowledge  relative  to  Canada  had  ufu- 
ally  been  very  confined;— before  the  conqueft  of  CroWn-Point  in 
1759,  it  had  been  efteemed  an  impregnable  fortrefs;  but  no 
fooiier  was  it  taken,  than  we  were  convinced  that  it  had  acquir- 
ed its  greatell  fecurity  from  talfe  reports,  given  out  by  its  pof- 
feffors,  and  might  have  been  battered  down  with  a  few  four 
pounders.  Even  its  fltuation,  which  was  reprefented  to  be  fo 
very  advantageous,  was  found  to  owe  its  advantages  to  the  fame 
fource.  It  cannot  be  denied  but  that  feme  maps  of  thefe  coun- 
tries have  been  publifhed  by  the  French  with  an  appearance  of 
accuracy;  but  thefe  areoffol'mall  a  fize  and  drawn  on  ib  minute 
afcale,  that  they  are  nearly  inexplicable.    The  lources  of  the- 


% 


Miffiflippi^ 


..:-<J^ 


■:^  .-*  ■ 


-"m- 


:'  n 


Mi(T;(Tif)pl,  I  can  aflert  from  my  own  experience,  are  greatly 
mifplaced;  for  when  I  had  explored  them,  and  compared  their 
fituation  with  the  French  Charts,  I  found  thera  very  erroneoufly 
reprefented,  and  am  fatisficd  that  thefe  were  only  copied  from 
the  rude  sketches  of  the  Indians. 

Even  fo  lately  as/thcir  evacuation  of  Canada  they  continued 
their  fchemes  tofjleceive;  leaving  no  traces  by  which  anyknow- 
Icdge  might  accrue  to  their  conquerors :  for  though'  they  were 
well  acquainted  with  all  the  Lakes,  particularly  withLakc  Supe- 
rior, having  conftantly  a  vcflel  of  confiderablc  burthen  thereo<i. 
yet  their  plans  of  them  are  very  incorreck.  I  difcovered  many  er- 
rors in  the  defcriptions  given  therein  of  its  iflands  and  bays, 
during  a  progrefs  of  eleven  hundred  miles  that  I  coafted  it  in 
canoes.  They  likewife,  on  giving  up  the  poircffion  of  them, 
took  care  to  leave  the  places  tliey  had  occupied  in  the  fame  un- 
cultivated flate  they  had  found  them,-  at  the  fame  time  deftroy- 
ihg  all  their  naval  force.  I  obferved  myfelf  part  of  the  hulk  of 
a  very  large  veflcl,  burnt  to  the  water's  edge,  juft  at  the  open- 
ing from  the  Straits  of  St.  Marie's  into  the  Lake. 

Thefe  difficulties,  however,  were  not  fufficient  to  deter  me 
from  the  undertaking,  an(J  I  made  preparations  for  fetting  out. 
What  I  chiefly  had  in  view,  after  gaining  a  knowledge  of  the 
manners,  cuftoms,  languages,  foil,  and  natural  produftions  of 
the  different  nations  that  inhabit  the  back  of  the  Mifllllippi,  was 
to  afccrtain  the  breadth  of  that  vaft  continent,  which  extends 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacinc  Ocean,  in  its  broadeft  part  be- 
tween 43  and  46  degrees  northern  latitude.  Had  I  been  able 
to  accomplilli  this,  I  intended  to  have  propofed  to  government 
to  eftablilli  a  port  in  fome  of  thofe  parts  about  the  Straits  of 
Annian,  which  having  been  firft  difcovered  by  Sir  Francis  Drake, 
of  courfe  belong  to  the  Englifh.  This  I  am  convinced  would 
greatly  facilitate  the  difcovery  of  a  NorthweftPalTage,  or  a  com- 
munication between  Hudfon's  Kay  and  the  Pacific  Ocean.  An 
event  fo  defirable, '  and  which  has  been  fo  often  fought  for,  but-. 
Xvithout  fuccefs.  Befides  this  important  end,  a  fettlement  on 
that  extremity  of  America  would  anfwer  many  good  purpofes, 
and  repay  every  expence  the  eilablifhment  of  it  might  occafion. 
For  it  would  not  only  difciofe  new  fources  of  trade,  and  pro- 
mote many  ufeful  difcoveries,  but  would  open  a  paflage  for  con- 
veying intelligence  to  China,  and  the  Englifli  fettlements  in  the 
Eaft  Indies,  with  greater  expedition  than  a  tedious  voyage  by 
(3fe  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  or  tlT|  Straits  of  Magellan  will  allow  of. 

How  far  the  advantages  ariffng  from  fuch  an  enterprize  may 
extend,  can  only  be  afcertaincd  by  the  favourable  concurrence  of 
future  events.  But  that  the  completion  of  the  fcheme,  I  have 
.had  thajilionour  of  firft  planning  and  attempting,  will  fome  time 
or  other  be  effected,  I  make  no  doubt.  From  the  unhappy  divi- 
lions  that  at  prefent  fubfirt  between  Great  Britain  and  America, 
it  will  probably  be  fome  years  before  the  attempt  is  repeated; 
but  whenever  it  is,  and  the  execution  of  it  carried  on  with  pro- 
-     ...„  .  P>"iety, 


id  I 


■t      • 


'i^- 


■■■»■  r 


#!  • 


cnce,  are  greatly 

id  compared  their 

very  erroneouHy 

only  copied  from 

k  they  continued 
which  any  know- 
hough"  they  were 
^  with  Lake  Supe- 
burthen  thereo<i, 
covered  many  er- 
iflands  and  bays, 
It  I  coafted  it  in 
)(rcflion  of  them, 
d  in  the  fame  un- 
ime  time  deftroy- 
irt  of  the  hulk  of 
juft  at  the  open- 

icnt  to  deter  tne 

3  for  fetting  out. 

knowledge  of  the 

i\  produftions  of 

le  MilTiflippi,  was 

t,  which  extends 

broadeft  part  be- 

Had  I  been  able 

to  government 

ut  the  Straits  of 

ir  Friancis  Drake, 

convinced  would 

afTage,  or  acorfl- 

ific  Ocean.    An 

fought  for,  but -I 

a  fettlement  on 

good  purpofes, 

might  occafion. 

trade,  and  pro- 

i  paflage  forcon- 

cttlements  in  the 

dious  voyage  by 

llan  will  allow  of. 

enterprize  may 

e  concurrence  of 

fcheme,  I  have 

will  fomc  time 

he  unhappy  divi- 

in  and  America, 

pt  is  repeated; 

cd  on  with  pro- 

;       priety, 


.iiL.m. 


ir 


m 

^^'$': 


>S' 


41       t    tit    ] 


pffety,  thofe  who  are  Co  fortunate  as  to  fucceed,  will  reap,  «- 
clufive  of  the  national  advantages  that  muft  enfue,  emoluments 
beyond  their  moft  fanguine  expeftations.  And  whilft  their  fpi- 
rits  are  elated  by  their  fuccefs,  perhaps  they  may  beftow  fomc 
commcndatioms  and  bleflings  on  the  perfon  that  firft  pointed  out 
to  them  the  \fay.  Thefe,  though  but  a  ihadowy  recompence  for 
dll  my  toil,  I  Oiall  receive  with  pieafure. 

To  what  power  or  authority  this  new  world  will  become  de- 
pendent, after  it  has  arifen  from  its  prefent  uncultivated  (late, 
time  alone  can  difcover.  But  as  the  feat  of  Empire  from  time 
immemorial  has  been  gradually  progreflive  towards  the  Weft, 
there  is  no  doubt  but  that  at  fomc  future  period,  mighty  king- 
doms will  emerge  from  thefe  wildernefles,  and  ftately  palaces 
and  folemn  temples,  with  gilded  fpircs  reaching  the  skies,  fup- 
plant  the  Indian  huts,  whofc  only  decorations  are  the  barba- 
rous trophies  of  their  vanquilhcd  enemies. 

As  fome  of  the  preceeding  paflfages  have  already  informed  the 
reader  that  the  plan  J  had  laid  down  for  penetrating  to  the  Pa- 
cific Ocean,  proved  abortive,  it  is  neceflary  to  add,  that  this  pro- 
ceeded not  from  its  imprafticabilitji.  (for  the  farther  I  went  the 
more  convinced  I  was  that  it  coulci  certainly  be  accompUlTied) 
but  trom  unforefeen  difappointments.  However,  I  proceeded 
fo  far,  that  I  was  able  to  make  fuch  difcoveries  as  will  be  ufeful 
in  any  future  attempt,  and  prove  a  good  foundation  for  fome 
more  fortunate  fucceffor  to  build  upon.  Thefe  1  fliall  now  la/ 
before  the  public  in  the  following  pages;  and  am  fatislied  that 
the  greateft  part  of  them  have  never  been  publilTied  by  any  per- 
fon  that  has  hitherto  treated  of  the  interior  nations  of  the  In- 
dians; particularly,  the  account  1  give  of  the  Naudoweffies,  and 
the  fituation  of  the  heads  of  the  four  great  rivers  that  take  their 
rife  within  a  few  leagues  of  each  other,  nearly  about  the  centre 
of  this  great  continent;  viz.  The  River  Bourbon,  which  emp- 
ties itfelf  into  Hudfon's  Bay;  thewatersof  Saint  Lawrence;  the 
Mifliflippi,  and  the  River  Oregon,  or  the  River  of  th|^eft,that 
falls  into  the  Pacific  Ocean,  at  the  Straits  of  Annian. 

The  impediments  that  occafioned  my  returning,  before  I  had 
accomplifhed  my  purpofes,  were  thefe.  On  my  arrival  at  Mt- 
chillimackinac,  the  remoteft  Englifli  poll,  in  September  1766,  I 
applied  to  Mr.  Rogers,  who  was  then  governor  of  it,  to  fur- 
nilli  me  with  a  proper  alFortment  of  goods,  as  prefents  for  the 
Indians  who  inhabit  the  track  i  intended  to  purfue.  He  did  this 
only  in  part;  but  promiftd  to  ^pply  me  with  fuch  as  werenecef- 
fary,  when  I  reached  the  Falls  of  Saint  Anthony.  I  afterwards 
learned  that  the  governor  fullilled  his  promifc  in  ordering  the 
goods  to  be  delivered  to  me;  butthofe  to  whole  care  he  intrufted 
them,  inllead  of  conforming  to  his  orders,  difpofcd  of  them  die' 
where. 

Difappointed  in  my  expe6lations  from  this  quarter,  I  thought 

it  necelTary  to  return  to  La  Prairi^  Le  Chien ;  for  it  was  impo{- 

fjblc  to  proceed  any  further  without  prefents  to  enlure  me  a  fa^ 

.»-  ........  ,    ,      voUtablA 


1 


t    w    1 

vaurabte  reception.  This  I  did  in  the  begi'oning  of  the  pear  1 767, 
and  finding  my  progrefs  to  the  weftwaid  thus  retarded,  I  deter- 
mined to  direct  my  courfe  northward.  I  took  this  ftep  with  a 
view  of  finding  a  communication  from  the  Heads  of  the  MiflV 
flippi  into  Lake  Superior,  in  order  to  meet,  at  the  grand  Por- 
tage on  the  North-well  fide  of  that  lake,  the  traders  that  ufu- 
ally  come,  about  this  feafon,  from  JVIicliillimackiivic.  Ofthe(<e 
I  intended  to  piirghafe  goods,  and  then  to  purine  my  journey 
from  that  quarter  l)y  way  of  the  lakes  dePiuye,  Dubois,  and  Ou- 
nipique  to  the  Heads  of  the  river  of  the  Weft,  which,  as  I  liave 
faid  before,  tails  into  the  Straits  of  Annian,  the  tcimination  of 
my  intended  progrefs. 

I  accoijipliihed  the  former  part  of  my  defign,  and  reached 
Lake  Superior  in  proper  time;  but  unluckily  the  traders  I  met 
there  acquainted  me,  that  they  had  no  goods'  to  fpare;  thofe 
they  had  with  them  being  barely  fullicient  to  anfwer  their  own 
demands  in  thefe  remote  parts.  Thus  difiippointed  a  lecond 
time,  1  found  myfelf  obliged  to  return  to  the  place  from  whence 
I  began  my  expedition,  which  I  did  after  continuing  fome Months 
on  the  north  and  eaft  borders  of  Lake  Superior,  and  exploring 
the  bays  and  rivers  that  empty  themfelves  intg  this  large  body 
of  water. 

As  it  may  be  expefted  that  I  fliould  lay  before  the  public  the 
reaibns  that  thefe  difcoverics,  of  lb  much  importance  to  every 
one  who  has  any  connections  with  Anierica-,  have  not  been  im- 
parted to  them  before,  notwithllanding they  were  made  upwards 
of  ten  years  ago,  I  will  give  them  to  the  world  in  a  plain  and 
candid  manner,  and  without  mingling  with  them  any  complaints 
on  account  of  the  ill  treatment  1  have  received.       *  * 

On  my  arrival  in  England,  1  prefented  a  petition  to  hisMajef- 
ty  in  council,  praying  for  a  reimburleiUfnt  of  thole  fums  I  had 
expended  in  the  fervice  of  government.  This  was  referred  to 
the  Lords  Commillioners  of  Trade  and  Plantations.  Their  Lord- 
fhips  from  the  tenor  of  it  thought  the  intelligence  1  could  give 
of  lb  much  importance  to  the  natioi^  that  they  ordered  me  to 
appear  before  the  Board.  This  mellage  I  obeyed,  and  underwent 
a  long  examination;  much  I  believe  to  the  fatisfaftion  of  every 
Lord  prcfent.  When  it  was  rinill^ed,  1  requeued  to  know  wh^t 
I  Ihouid  do  with  my  papers ;  without  helitation  the  iirft  Lord 
replied.  That  I  mightpubliih  them  whenever  I  pleafed.  Incon- 
■fcquence  of  this  permillion,  I  difpofed  of  them  to  a  bookfeller : 
but  when  they  were  nearly  ready  for  ttee  prelSi  an  order  was  if- 
(ued  (rom  the  council  board,  requiring  me  to  deliver,,  without 
delay,  into  the  .'lantation  Office,  all  my  Charts  and  Journals, 
with  every  paper  relative  to  the  diicoveriesi  had  made.  In  or- 
^er  to  obey  this  command,  1  was  obliged  to  r^-purchafe  theip 
from  the  booKfeller  at  a  very  great  expence,  and  deliver  them 
up.  This  freih  difbaricmcnt  I  endeavouicd  to  get  annexed  to 
the  account  1  had  already  delivered  in,"  but  the  requeft  was  4e- ' 
ipiedme,  notwjthilanduig  i  hud  only  acted,  in  the  difpoial  9fn?y 

,     ,:    •:■.        :|-  '   papers. 


'«!.' 


>f  the  year  1 767, 
jtarded,  I  dete?- 
this  ftep  with  a 
ads  of  the  MifT*- 
;  the  grand  Por- 
traders  that  iifu- 
kiivic.  Ofthe(fc 
ilue  iny  journey 
IXibois,  and  Oa- 
vhich,  as  I  have 
e  tcimination  ol 

;n,  and  reached 
le  traders  I  inct 
to  fpare;  thofe 
jfvver  their  own 
rtinted  a  lecond 
ice  from  whence 
ing  fomeaonths 
•,  and  exploring 
this  large  body 

e  the  pubh'c  the 
Drtance  to  c\(ij[y 
.ve  not  been  im- 
c  made  iipwardi 
d  in  a  plain  and 
1  any  complaints 

ion  to  hisMajef- 

liol'e  funis  1  had 

|vas  referred  to 

IS.  Their  Lord- 

|ce  1  could  give 

ordered  me  to 

and  underwent 

adtion  of  every 

to  know  whj^t 

the  iiift   Lord 

leafed     In  con- 

a  bookfeller : 

n  order  was  if- 

liver,  without 

and  Journals, 

made.     Jn  or- 

Ipurchafe  theip 

deliver  them 

;et  annexed  to 

|eque.ft  was  4|?" 

difpoia)  fi>.f  »ny 

papers. 


'■%' 


i&:: 


[    xxi    1 

papers,  conformably  to  the  permiflion  I  had  received  from  the 
Board  of  Trade.  This  lofs,  which  amounted  to  a'  very  confi- 
derable  fum,  I  was  obliged  to  bear,  and  to  reft  fatisficd  with  aa 
indemnification  for  my  other  expences. 

Thus  fituated,  my  only  expe(5lations  arc  from  the  favour  of  I 
generous  public;  to  whom  1  lluiU  now  comiiiunicace  my  plans,  ' 
journals,  and  obferyations,  of  which  I  luckiiv  kept  copies,  when 
I  delivered  the  originals  into  Lhe  Plantation  OlKce.  And  this  I 
do  the  more  readily,  as  1  hear  they  are  miflaid;  and  there  is  no 
probability  of  their  ever  being  publilTied.  To  thofe  who  are  in- 
terelk'd  in  the  concerns  of  the  interior  parts  of  North  America, 
from  the  contiguity  of  their  pofTenions,  or  commercial  engage- 
ments, they  will  be  extremely  ufcful,  and  fully  repay  the  fum  at 
which  they  are  purchafud.  To  thofe,  who,  from  a  laudable  cu- 
fiofity,  wilTi  to  be  acqainted  with  the  manners  and  cuftoms  of 
every  inhabitant  of  this  globe,  the  accounts  here  given  of  the  va- 
rious nations  that  inhabit  fo  vaft  a  tradl  of  it,  a  country  hitherto 
almort  unexplored,  will  furnifti  an  ample  fund  of  amufemcnt  and 
gratifjj  their  moft  curious  expedations.  And  1  Hatter  myfelf  they 
will  be  as  favourably  received  by  the  public,  as  defcriptions  of 
iilands,  which  afford  no  other  entertainment  than  what  arifcs 
from  their  novelty;  and  difcoveries,  that  feem  to  promife  very 
few  advantages  tp  this  country,  though  acquired  at  an  immenfe 
cxpencc. 

,  To  make  the  following  work  as  comprehenfible  and  en- 
tertaining as  poffible,  I  lliall  iirft  give  my  readers  an  account 
of  the  route  I  purfued  over  this  immcnfe  continent,  and  as  I 
pafs  on,  defcribe  the  number  of  inhabitants,  the  fituation  of 
the  divers  and  lakes,  and  the  produclions  of  the  country. 
Having  done  this,  I  l>iall  treat,  in  diftinft  chapters,  of  the  man- 
ners, cuftoms,  and  languages  of  the  Indians  and  to  complete 
the  whole,  add  a  vocabulary  of  the  words  moftly  in  ufe  among 
thein- 

Apd  here  it  is  necefTary  to  bcfpcak  the  candour  of  the  Icarnod 
part  of  my  readers  in  the  periifal  of  it,  as  it  is  the  production  of 
a  perfon  unufed,  from  opppHte  avocations,  to  literary  purfuits, 
He  therefore  begs  they  would  not  examine  it  with  too  critical  an 
eyej  efpecially  when  he  allures  them  that  his  attention  has  been 
more  employed  on  giving  a  juft  defcription  of  a  country  that 
promifes,  in  fomc  future  period,  toJt>e  an  inexhauilibie  Iburgc 
of  riches  to  that  people  who  Ihall  be  fo  fojt.i.'iarc  as  to  pollefs 
it,  than  on  the  ftyle  or  compofition;  and  muic  cMicful  to  ren- 
tier his  language  intelligible  and  explicit,  than  imoothandijorid. 

♦       .  •  r 

ft*-- 

•  M:.  ■ 


VA. 


■■.}^' 


.■el 


A 


m 


as-- 


.:;♦> 


0m 


■^^ 


# 


* 


*-'i.fl-i 


/♦• 


M'- 


•V--   .^ 


/f 


«^ 


■*>-■ 


#H;. 


>-^ . 


fj^  t^  *'^ ' 


* 


••^l.' 


ip«»: 


..»■  ■   it' 


#' 


-t^ 


% 


* 


i:^ 


.^i 


'¥*, 


^-•^ 


•*s»- 


*!*- 


>'»" 


,';  r* 


■.1*».  .      -    ■■«^!^-,: 


JOURpJaL  op  the  TRAVELSi 

.     *#      W I T  H    A 


DESCRIPTION  ^{ 


^ 


O  F    T  H  B 


COUNTRY,     LAKES,    &c.     V  * 


u. 


vn 


5 


IN  June  1766,  I  fat  out  from  Bofton,  and  proceeded  \i^vtv§  p 
of  Albany  and  Niagara,  to  Michillimackinac;  a  fort  nt% 
ated  between  the  Lakes  Hurcji^^and  Michigan,  and  diftant 
from  Bofton  1300  miles.  This  being  the  4ittermoft  of  our  fac- 
tories towards  the  north-wefl,  I  confider^  it  as  the  moA  con- 
venient place  from  whence  I  could  begin  my  intended  progre^s> 
and  enter  at  once  into  the  regions  I  deflgned  to  explore. 

Referring  my  readers  to  the  publications  already  extant  for 
an  account  of  thofe  parts  of  North  America,  that,  from  lying  ad- 
jacent to  the  back  fcttlements,  have  been  frequently  defcribed, 
1  {hall  coniine  myfelf  to  a  defcription  of  the  more  interior  parts 
of  ft,  which  having  been  but  feldom  viflted,  are  confe^ently 
but  little  known.  In  doing  this,  I  (hall  in  no  inKlan^^^Meed 
the  bounds  of  truth,  or  have  recourfe  to  thofe  ufelefs  dpiex- 
travagant  exaggerations  too  often  made  ufe  of  by  travelleh,  to 
excite  the  curiofity  of  the  public,  or  to  increafe  their  own  im- 
portance. Nor  (hall  I  infert  any  obfervations,  but  fuch  as  I  have 
made  myfelf,  or,  from  the  credibility  of  thofe  by  whom  they 
were  related,  am  enabled  to  vouch  for  their  authenticity. 

Michillimackinac,  from  whence  I  began  my  travels,  is  a  ftKt 
compofed  of  a  (Irong  flockade,  and  is  ufually  defended  by  agar- 
rifon  of  one  hundred  men.  It  contains  about  thirty  houfes^  ono 
of  which  belongs  to  the  governor,  and  another  to  the  commit 
fary.  Several  traders  alfo  dwell  within  its  fortifications,  who 
find  it  a  convenient  fituation  to  traffic  with  the  neighbouring  na- 
tions. Michillimackinac,  in  the  language  of  the  Chipeway  In- 
dians, fignifies  a  Tortoife;  and  the  place  is  fuppofed  to  receive 
its  name  from  an  ifland,  lying  about  fix  or  feven  miles  to  the 
north-eaft,  withm  fight  of  the  fort,  which  has  the  appearai|ice 
of  that  animal* 

•  ■  ^  ^^  During 


^P 


^.' 


.# 


W3* 


[Hi  •>    •-^i'--' 

During  the  Indian  war  that  followed  foon  after  the  comjucll 

fit  Cailada  in  the  yeaf-  1^63,  and  which  was  carried  on  by  an  at- 

,    toy  of  confederate  nations  compofed  of  the  Hiirons,  Miamies, 

Chipeways,  Ottowaws,  Pontowattimics,  Miflidauges,  and  fome 

other  tribes,  under  the  dircdtionof  Pontiaq^' a  celebrated  Indian 

%varrior,  who  had  always  been   in  the  French  int^rcft,  it  was 

taken  by  furpiizc  in  the  following  manner;  The  Indians  having 

fettled  their  plan,  drew  near  the  foft,  and  began  a  garflie  at  ball, 

ft  paftimc  miicii  ufed  among  them,  and  not  unlike  tennis.     In 

the  height  of  their  game    at  which  fome  of  the  EnglilTi  olHcers, 

not  fufpefting  any  deceit,  flood  looking  on,  they  ftruck  the  ball, 

r  .  as  if  by  accidcnf,  over  the  ilockadc;  this  they  repeated  two  or 

three  fiimcs,  to  make  the  deception  more  complete;  till  at  length, 

hailing  by  this  means  lulled  every  fufpicion  of  thecentry  at  the 

fouth  gate,  a  party  rulhed  by  him;  and  the  reft  foon  following, 

they  took  poffeilion  of  the  fort,  without  meeting  with  any  oppo- 

fition.     Having  accdni^rliihed  their  defign,  the  Indians  had  the 

humanity  to  fpare  the  lives  of  the  greateft  part  of  the  garrifon 

and  traders,  but  they  made  them  all  prifoners,  and  carried  them 

^'.  ©ffifi.  However  fome  time  after  they   took  them  to  Montreal, 

*  tvhere'  they  were  redeemed  at  a  good  price.     The  fort  aifo  was 

'given  up  again  to  the  Engiiih  at  the  peace  made  with  Pontiac, 

,  by  the  commander  of  Detroit  the  year  following. 

Having  here  made  the  neceflary  difpofitions  for*  purfuing  my 

travels,  and  obtained  a  credit  from  Mr.  Rogers,  the  governor, 

en  fome  EnglilTi  and  Canadian  traders  who  were  going  to  trade 

CO  the  Mifliffippi,  and  received  alfo  from  him'a  promilc  of  a 

frelli  fupply  of  goods  when  I  reached  the  falls  of  Saint  Antho- 

-fjBy^'I  left  the  fort  on  tlie  3d  of  Septert^er,  in  company  with 

'  thefe  traders.     It  was  agfeed  that  they  ihould  furnilh  me  with 

fuch  goods  as  I  might  want,  for  prelents  to  the  Indian  chiefs, 

tiuri^  my  continuance  with  them,  agreeable  to  the  governor's 

o^j^,     But  when  I  arrived  at  the  extent  of  their  route,  I  was 

'to  (^  other  guides,  and  to  depend  on  the  goods  the  governot 

had'pTomifed  to  fupply  me  with. 

We  accordingly  fet  ou^  together,  and' ol^jtjbe  i8th  arrived  at 

Fort  La  Bay.     This  fort  it  fituated  on  the  ibuthern  extremity  of 

a  bay  in  Lake  Michigan,  termed  by  the  French  the  Bay  of  Pu- 

tots;  but  which,  fince  the  Englifli  have  gained  poflcffion  of  att 

Hiie  fettlemcnts  on  this  part  of  the  continent,  is  called  by  them 

■^the  Green  Bay.     The  reafon  of  its  being  thus  denominated^  is 

•'■from  its  appearance;  for  on  leaving  Michillimackinac  in  the 

fpring  feafon,   though  the  trees  there  have  not  even'  put  forth 

their  buds,  yet  you  find  the  country  around  La  Bay,  notwith- 

"ftanding  the  palTagc  has  not  exceeded   fourteen  days,  covered 

with  the  fineft  verdure,  and  vegetation  as  forward  as  it  could 

'^be  were  it  dimmer.  %      '-'  **"^  ''^■- "^  :  ^ 

This  fort  alfo  is  only  furrounded  by  a  {!ockade,*and  being 

much  decayed  is  fcarcely  defenfible  againft  fmall  arms.     It  was 

boilt  by  the  French  for  the  protetftion  of  their  trade,  fome  time 

n  befor* 

■if' 


,^ 


before  they  weT#forced  to  relinquiih  it;  and  when  Canada  and 
its  ilependeticies  were  furrendered  to  the  Englifli,  it  was  imme- 
diately f  arrifoned  with  an  oflScer  and  thirtjr  men.     Thefe  were 


made  prifoners  by  the  Menomonies  foon  after  the  furprife  of 

nl 
kept  in  repair  fince. 


MichiMmackinac,  ana  the  fort  has  neither  been  garrifoned  or 


The  bay  is  0out  ninety  miles  long,  but  differs  much  in  its 
breadth;  being  in  fomc  places  only  fifteen  miles,  in  others  from 
twenty  to  thirty.  It  lies  nearly  from  north-eaft  to  fouth-weft. 
At  the  entrance  of  it  from  the  lake  area  firing  of  iflands,  extend- 
ing from  norf.ii  to  fouth,  called  the  Grand  Traverfe.  Thefe  are 
about  thirty  miles  in  length,  and  ferve  to  facilitate  the  paffage 
of  canoes,  as  they  fhelter  them  from  the  winds,  which  fome- 
times  come  with  violence  acrofs  the  Lake.  On  the  fide  that  lies 
to  the  fouth-eafl  is  the  nearefl  and  befl  navigation. 

The  iflands  of  the  Grand  Traverfe  are  moiWy  frtstftjcmd  rocky. 
Many  of  the  rocks  are  of  an  amazing  fize,  and  appear  as  if  they 
had  been  fafhioned  by  the  hands  ofartifts.  On  the  largefl  and 
bcil  of  thefe  iflands  hands  a  town  of  the  Ottowaws,  at  which  I 
found  one  of  the  moflconfiderable  chiefs  of  that  nation,  who  re- 
ceived me  with  every  honour  he  could  poflibly  fhow  to  a  flran- 
ger.  But  what  'appeared  extremely  fingular  to  me  at  the  time, 
and  mufl:  do  {o  to  every  perfon  unacquainted  with  the  cufloms 
of  the  Indians,  was  the  reception  I  met  with  on  landing.  As 
our  canoes  approached  the  iTiore,  and  had  reached  within  about 
three  fcore  rods  of  it,  the  Indians  began  a  feu-de-joy;  in  which 
they  fired  their  pieces  loadtd  with  balls ;  but  at  the  fame  time 
they  took  care  to  difcharge  them  in  fuch  a  manner  as  to  fly  a  few 
yards  above  our  heads :  during  this  they  ran  from  one  tree  or 
f^umpto  another,  fhouting  and  behaving  as  if  they  were  in  the 
heat  of  battle.  At  lirft  I  was  greatly  furprifed,  and  was  on  the 
point  of  ordering  my  attendants  to  return  their  fire,  concluding 
that  their  intentions  were  hoflile;  but  being  undeceived  by  foiH» 
of  the  traders,  who  informed  me  that  this  was  their  ufual  method 
of  receiving  the  chiefs  of  other  nations,  I  confidered  it  in  its  true 
light,  and  was  pleafed  with  the  refpeft  thus  paid  me. 

I  remained  here  one  night.  Among  the  prefents  I  made  the 
chiefs,  were  fome  fpirituous  liquors;  with  which  they  made 
themfelves  merry,  and  all  joined  in  a  dance,  thatlarted  thegreat- 
clt  part  of  the  night.  In  the  morning  when  I  departed,  the 
chief  attended  me  to  the  lliore,  and,  as  foon  as  I  had  embarked, 
offered  up,  in  an  audible  voice,  and  with  great  folcmnity,  afer- 
\  ent  prayer  in  my  behalf.  He  prayed  "  that  the  Great  Spirit 
would  favour  me  with  a  profperous  voyage;  that  he  would  give 
me  an  unclouded  sky,  and  imooth  waters,  by  day,  and  that  f. 
]night  lie  down,  by*night,  on  a  beaver  blanket,  enjoying  unin- 
terrupted fleep,  and  pleafant  dreams;  and  alfo  that  I  might  find 
continual  protection  under  the  great  pipe  of  peace."  In  this 
manner  he  continued  his  petitions  till  I  could  no  longer  hear 
them.  *  >■;>?  --n  --..       '\^.^r         I         ■     .  - 


•■\f- 


■■•* 


I    «6    J 


» 


fk 


WW- 


f-' 


<  I  mud  here  obferve,  that  notwithftanding  tMI  inhabitants  of* 
Europe  are  apt  to  entertain  horrid  ideas  of  the  ferocity  of  thcfc 
favages,  as  they  are  termed,  I  received  from  every  tribe  of  them 
I  .        in  the  interior  parts,  the  moil  hofpitable  and  courteous  treatment; 
^     '    and  am  convinced,  that  till  they  are  condlininated  by  the  ex- 
ample and  fpirituous  liquors  of  their  more  refined  neighbours, 
.i.  --     thej^/ctain  this  friendly  and  inofFcnfive  condud  towards  ftran- 
^        gersV    Their  inveteracy  and  cruelty  to  their  enemies  I  acknow- 
ledge to  be  a  great  abatement  of  the  favourable  opinion  I  would 
Willi  to  entertain  of  them;  but  this  failing  is   hereditary,  and 
having  received  the  fanftion  of  immemorial  cui^om,  has  taken 
too  deep  root  in  their  minds  to  be  ever  extirpated. 

Among  this  people  I  eat  of  a  very  uncommon  kind  of  bread. 
'JThe  Indians,  in  general,  ufe  but  little  of  this  nutritious  food : 
•whilft  their  corn  is  in  the  milk,  as  they  term  it,  that  is,  juft  bc- 
>  fore  it  begins  to  ripen,  tiiey  illce  off  the  kernels  from  the  cob 
to  which  they  grow,  and  knead  them  into  a  pafte.  This  they 
are  enabled  to  do  without  the  addition  of  any  liquid,  by  tha 
milk  that  flows  from  them ;  and  when  it  is  efFefted,  they  parcel 
it  out  into  cakes,  and  inclofing  them  in  leaves  of  the  balTwood 
tree,  place  them  in  hot  embers,  where  they  are  foon  baked. 
And  better  flavoured  bread  I  never  eat  in  any  country. 

This  placs  is  only  a  fmall  village  containing  about  twenty- 
five  houfes  and  fixty  or  fcventy  warriors.  I  found  nothing  there 
worthy  of  further  remark.  ^, 

The  land  on  the  fouth-eafl:  fide  of  the  Green  Bay  is  but  very 
indifferent,  being  overfpread  with  a  heavy  growth  of  hemlock, 
pine,  fpruce  and  fir  trees.  The  communication  between  Lake 
Michigan  and  the  Green  Bay  has  been  reported  by  fome  to  be 
imprafticable  for  the  paflfage  of  any  vcflels  larger  than  capj^jes  or 
boats,  on  account  of  the  iTioals  that  lie  between  the  tflaftds 
in  the  Grand  Traverfe;  but  on  founding  it  l/i;ound  itifficicnt 
depth  fqfij^.  vefll^l  of  fixty  tons,  and  the  breadth'proportionable. 

The  land  adjoining  to  the  bottom  of  this  bay  is  very  fertile, 
the  country  In  general  level,  and  thepcrfpeftive  view  of  it  pleaf- 
'^\       ing  and  extcnfive. 

f'  A  few  families  live  in  the  fort,  which  lies  on  the  wefl:-fide  of 

the  Fox-River,  and  oppofite  to  it,  on  the  eaft-fide  of  its  entrance, 
are  fome  French  fcttlers  who  cultivate  the  land,   and  appear  to 
■    live  very  comfortably. 

The  Green  Bay  or  Bay  of  Puants  is  one  of  thofS  places  to 
f^  which  the  French,  as  I  have  mentioned  in  the  introdnction,  have 
given  nicknames.  It  is  termed  by  the  inhabitants  of  its  coafts, 
the  Menomonie  Bay ;  but  why  the  French  have  denominated  it 
_  ^  thePuan^or  Stinking  "^ay  1  know  not.  The  reafon  they  them- 
felves  give  for  it  is,  that  it  was  not  with  a  v'kw  to  miflead  ftran- 
gers,  but  that  by  adopting  this  method  they  could  converfewith 
each  ocher,  concerning  the  Indians,  in  their  prefence,  without 
being  underftood  by  them.  For  it  was  remarked  by  the  perfons 
\yholiril  traded  among  them,  that  when  they  were  fpeaking  to 


^ 


^' 


# 


r  27  ] 


each  other  aboiiTthem,  and  mentioned  their  proper  name,  they 
Inftantly  grew  fiifpicious,  and  concluded  that  their  vifiteis  were 
either  fpeaklng  ill  of  them,  or  plotting  their  deftruftion.  To 
remedy  this  they  gay^e  them  fome  other  name.  The  only  bad 
confcqiience  arifing  from  the  praftice  then  introduced  is,  that 
EngUlli  and  French  Geographers,  In  their  plans  of  the  interior 
partij  of  Aine|ica,  give  different  names  to  the  fame  people|>j,and 
thereby  perplex  thofc  who  have  occafion  to  refer  to  them. 

I^ake  Michigan,  of  which  the  Green  Bay  is  a  part,  is  divided|» 
on  the  north-eaft  from  Lake  Huron  by  the  Straits  of  Michilli^i' 
mackinac;  and  is  fituated  between  forty-two  and  forty-fix  de- 
grees of  latitude,  and  between  eighty-four  and  eighty-fcven  de- 
grees of  weft-longitude.  Its  greateft  length  is  two  hundred  and 
eighty  miles,  its  brjsadth  about  forty,  and  its  circumference  near- 
ly fix  hundred.  There  is  a  remarkable  ftring  of  fmalliflands,  be- 
jtinning  dver  againft  Askin's  Farm,  and  running  about  thirty 
miles  fouth-weft  into  the  Lake.  Thefe  are  called  the  Beaver 
Iflands.  Their  fituation  is  very  pleafant,  but  the  foil  is  bare. 
However  they  afford  a  beautiful  profpeft. 

On  the  north-weft  parts  of  this  lake  the  waters  branch  out  in- 
to two  bays.  That  which  lies  towards  the  north  is  the  Bay  of 
Noquets,  and  the  other  the  Green  Bay  juft  defcribed.  **  ' 

The  waters  of  this  as  well  as  the  other  great  lakes  are  clear 
and  wholefome,  and  of  fufBcient  depth  for  the  navigation  of 
large  fhips.  Half  the  fpace  of  the  country  that  lies  to  the  eaft, 
and  extends  to  Lake  Huron,  belongs  to  the  Ottowaw  Indians. 
The  line  that  divides  their  territories  from  the  Chipeways,  runs 
nearly  north  and  fouth,  and  reaches  almoft  from  the  fouthern 
extpimity  of  this  lake,  acrofs  the  high  lands»  to  Michillimacki- 
nac^wthrough  the  centre  of  which  it  palTes.  So  that  when  thefe 
two  tribes  happen  to  meet  at  the  factory,  they  each  encamp  on 
their  own  dominions,  at  a  few  yards  dillance  from  the  ftockade.,  ;-, 

The  country  adjacent  either  to  the  e'aft  or  weft  fid€  of  this  lake 
is  compofed  but  of  an  indifferent  foil,  except  where  fmall  brooks 
or  rivers  empty  themfelves  into  it;  on  the  banks  of  thefe  it  is 
extremely  fertile.  Near  the  borders  of  the  lake  grow  a  great 
number  of  fand  cherries,  which  are  not  lefs  remarkable  for  tlieir 
jnanner  of  growth,  than  for  their  exquifite  flavour.  They  grow 
upon  a  fmall  llirub,  not  more  than  four  feet  high,  the  boughs  of 
wnich  arc  fo  loaded  that  they  lie  in  clufters  on  the  fand.  As  they 
grow  only  on  the  fand,  the  warmth  oi'  which  probably  contri- 
butes to 'bring  them  to  fuch  perfection;  they  are  called  by  thci 
French,  cherries  de  fable,  or  fand  cherries.  The  fize  of  them 
does  not  exceed  that  of  a  fmall  musket  ball,  but  they  are  reckon- 
ed faperior  to  any  other  fort  for  the  purpofe  of  fteeping  in  fpi- 
rits.  There  alfo  grow  around  the  lakegoofeberries,  black  cur- 
rants, and  an  abundance  of  juniper,  bearing  great  quantities  of 
berries  of  the  Hncft  fort. 

Sumack  likewife  grows  here  in  great  plenty;  the  leaf  of  which, 
f  a^ered  at  Michueluut)  when  it  tmns  xQnif,  is  much  cfteemed  by 

the 


# 


>^' 


0 


4  t    28    1 

the  natives.  They  mix  about  an  equal  quantitf  of  it  with  their 
tobacco,  which  caufes  it  to  finoke  picafantly.  Near  this  lake, 
and  indeed  about  all  the  great  lakes,  is  found  a  kind  of  willow, 
te'rmed  by  the  French,  bois  rouge,  in  Englifli  red  wood.  Its 
bark,  when  only  of  one  year's  growth,  is  of  a  fine  fcarlet  co- 
lour, and  appears  very  beautiful;  but  as  it  grows  older,  itchan^ 
^es  into  a  mixture  of  grey  and  red.  The  ftalks  of  this  fhrub 
grow,  many  of  them  together,  and  rife  to  the  hciljght  of  fix  or 

ight  feet,  the  largeft  not  exceeding  an  inch  diameter.     The 

ark  being  fcraped  from  the  flicks,  and  dried  and  powdered,  is 
alfo  mixed  by  the  Indians  with  their  tobacco,  and  is  held  by 
them  in  the  higheftellimation  for  their  winter  fmoaking.  A  weea 
that  grows  near  the  great  lakes,  in  rocky  places,  they  ufe  in  the 
fummer  feafon.  It  is  called  by  the  Indian&j.tSegockimac,  and 
creeps  like  a  vine  oii  the  ground,  fomctiniCT  extending  to  eight 
or  ten  feet,  and  bearing  a  leaf  about  the  fize  of  fil>a|^  penny, 
nearly  round;  it  is  of  the  fubftance  and  colour  of  the  laurel, 
and  is,  like  the  tree  it  refembles,  an  evergreen.  Thefe  leaves, 
dried  and  powdered,  they  likewife  mix  with  their  tobacco;  and, 
^  as  faid  before, ,  fmoak  it  only  during  the  (ummer.  By  thefe 
^  three  fuccedaneums  the  pipes  of  the  Indians  are  well  fupplieql 
through  every  feafon  of  the  year,'  and  as  they  are  great  flnoakers, 
they  are  very  careful  in  properly  gathering  and  preparing  them. 

On  the  20th  of  September  I  left  the  Green  Bay,  and  proceed- 
ed up  Fox  Hiver,  ftill  in  company  with  the  traders  and  fome  In- 
dians. On  the  25th  I  arrived  at  the  great  town  of  the  Wiffne- 
bagoes,  ^tuated  on  a  fmall  ifland,  juil  as  you  enter  the  eaft  end 
of  Lake  Winnebagoi  Here  the  queen  who  f  refided  over  this 
tribe  inftead  of  a  Sachem,  received  me  with  great  civility,  mnd 
entertained  me  in  a  very  diftinguiihed  manner,  during  th^jjfe^^ 
days  I  continued  with  her.  ^*.' 

The  day  after  my  arrival  I  held  a  CQAincil  with  the  chiefs,  of 
whom  I  asked  permiffion  |o  pafs  through  their  country,  in  my 
•way  to  more  remote  nations,  on  bulincfs  of  importance.  This 
was  readily  granted  me,  the  requeit  being  efteemed  by  them  as 
a  great  compliment  paid  to  their  tribe.  The  queen  fat  in  tne 
cofUitcil,  but  only  asked  a  fi^w  queftions,  or  gave  fome  trilling 
direftions  in  matters  relative  to  the  ftate;  for  women  are^never 
allowed  to  fit  in  their  councils,  ex c-ept  they  happen  to  be  invefted 
witJf  the  fupreme  authority,  and  then  it  is  not  cullomary  for 
them  to  make  any  formal  fpceches  as  the  chiefs  do.  She  was  •» 
very  ancient  woman,  fmall  in  llature,  and  not  much  diftinguilTicd 
by  her  drefs  fromfeveral  young  women  that  attended  her.  Thefe 
her  attendants  fcemcd  greatly  plealed  whenever  I  Ihowed  any 
tokens  of  refpecl  to  their  queen,  particularly  when  I  faluted  her, 
which  I  frequently  did  to  acquire  her  favour.  On  thefe  occa- 
fions  the  good  old  lady  endeavoured  to  allugie  a  juvenile  gaiety, 
and  by  her  finiles  Ihowed  Ihc  was  equally  pleafed  with  the  at- 
tention J  paid  her. 

The 


.-..* 


m 


t 


m 


'Zti 


J. 


The  time  I  tarried  here,  I  employed  in  making  the  beft  obfer- 
vations  poflible  on  the  country,  and  in  collefting  the  moft  cer- 
tain inteilicsnce  I  could  of  the  origin,  language,  and  cuftoms  of 
this  peoplw    From  thefe  enquiries  i  iiave  reafon  to  conclude, 
that  the  Winneba^oes  originally  rcfidcd  in  fome  of  the  provinces  * 

belonging  to  New  Mexico ;  and  being  driven  from  their  native       ^ 
country,  either  by  inteftine  divifions,  or  by  the  extenfions  hf,     ^ 
the  Spaniih  conquefts,  they  took  refuge  in  thefe  more  northe?ii 
parts  about  a  century  ago. 

My  reafon  for  adopting  this  fuppofition,  are,  firfl:  from  their 
unalienable  attachment  to  the  Naudoweflie  Indians  (who,  they 
fay,  gave  them  the  earlieft  fuccours  during  their  emigration)  ""ot- 
withllanding  their  prefent  refidcnce  is  more  than  fix  hundred 
miles  dirtant  from  that  people,  «• 

Secondly,  that  their  dialed  totally  differs  from  every  other 
Indian  nation  yet  difcovcred;  it  being  a  very  uncouth  guttural 
jargon,  which  none  of  their  neighbours  will  attempt  to  learn. 
They  converfewith  other  nations  in  the  Chiptiway  tongue,  which 
is  the  prevailing  language  throughout  all  the  tribes,  from  the 
Mohawks  of  Canada,  to  thofe  who  inhabit  the  borders  of  tlic 
Miififlippi,  and  from  the  Hurons  and  Illinois  to  fifch  a  dwell 
near  Hudfon  s  Bay. 

Thirdly,  from  their  inveterate  hatred  to  the  Spaniards,  ^ome 
of  them  informed  me  that  they  had  many  excurfions  to  the  fouth- 
weft,  which  took  up  fevcral  moons.  An  elderly  chief  more  par- 
ticularly acquainted  me,  that  about  forty- lix  winters  agp,  hi 
marched  at  the  head  of  fifty  warriors,  toward  the  foiith-weft, 
for  three  unoons.  That  during  this  expedition,  whilft  the/ 
were  crofling  a  plain,  they  difcovered  a  body  of  men  on  horfc- 
back,0ho  belonged  to  the  Black  People;  lor  fo  they  catt  the 
Spaniards.  As  foon  as  they  perceived  them,  they  proceeded 
\Vith  caution,  and  concealed  themfelvestill  night  came  on;  when 
they  drew  fo  near  as  to  be  able  to  difcern  the  number  and  fitua- 
tion  of  their  enemies.  Finding  they  were  not  able  to  cope  with 
fo  great  a  fuperiority  by  day-light,  they  waited  till  they  had  re- 
tired to  relli  when  they  rufficd  upon  them,  and,  after  having 
killed  the  greateil:  part  of  the  men,  took  eighty  horfes  loaded 
with  wl:)|it  they  termed  white  ftone.  This  I  fuppofe  to  have 
been  filver,  as  he  told  me  the  horfes  were  ihodwith  it,  and  that 
their  bridle*  were  ornamented  with  the  fame.  When  they  had  ^4Sf 
fatiatcd  their  revenge,  they  carried  off  their  fpoil,  and  being  got. 
fo  far  as  to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  the  Spaniards  that  had  ef-. 
caped  their  fury-,  they  left  the  ufelefs  and  ponderous  burthen^  ^ 
with  which  the  horfes  wete  loaded,  in  the  woods,  and  mount- 
ing themfelves,  in  this  manner  returned  to  their  friends.  The 
purty  they  had  thus  defeated,  I  conclude  to  be  the  caravan  that 
annually  conveys  to  Mexico,  the  filver  which  the  Spaniards 
tirt€  in  great  quautities  on  the  mountains  lying  near  the  heads  of  , 
the  Coleredo  River:  and  the  plains  where  the  attack  was  made, 
probably,  fome  they  were  obliged  to  pafs  over  in  their  way  to 

the 


■*g- 


#- 


to: 


SlJJ'j 

■  H 


tlie  heads  tt  the  River  St.  Fee,  or  Rio  del  Nord,  wl|ich  fails  111* 
to  the  Giilph  of  Mexico,  to  tlie  weft  of  the  MilTiffippi. 

The  Wvunebagoes  can  raife  about  two  -llundrci^. warriors. 
Their  town  contains  about  fifty  lioufes,  which>ar,e  ftrongly  built 
with  palifadcs,  and  theilland  on  which  it  is  fitoated  nearly  fifty 
acres.  It  lies  thirty-five  miles,  reckoning  according  tothecourfe 
cfthe  river,  from  the  Green  Bay.  ' 

The  river,  for  about  four  or  five  miles  fro|||i  tlie  bay,  has  a 
gentle  current ;  after  that  fpacc,  till  you,  arri!i^  at  the  Winne- 
bago Lake,  it  is  fuir  of  rocks  and  very  rapid.  At  many  places 
we  wete  oblige  J  to  land  our  canoes,  and  cany  them  a  confider- 
ahle  way.  Its  breath,  in  general,  from  the  Green  Bay  to  the 
Winnebago  Lake,  is  between  feventyand  a  hundred  yardsV  the 
land  oil  its  borders  very  good,  and  thinly  wooded  with  hicke- 
ry,  oak,  and  hazel.   > 

The  Winnebago  Lake  is  about  fifteen  miles  long  from  eaft  to 
weft,  and  fix  miles  wide.  At  its  fouth-eaft  cof  ner,  a  river  falls  into 
it  that  takes  its  rife  near  fome  of  the  northern  branches  of  the 
Illinois  River.  This  I  called  the  Crocodile  River,  in  confe- 
quence  of  a  ftory  that  prevails  among  the  Indians,  of  their  hav- 
ing defhroyeid,  in  fome  part  of  it,  an  animal,  which  from  theif 
defcription  muft  be  a  crocodile  or  a^i  alligator. 

Th»  lahd  adjacent  to  the  Lake  is  very  fertile,  abounding  with 
grapes,  plums,  and  other  fruits,  which  grow  fpontancoufly. 
Jhe  Winnebagoes  raife  on  it  a  great  quantity  of  Indian  corn» 
oeans,  pumpkins,  fqualTi,  and  watermelons,  with  fome  tobacco. 
The  lake  itfelf  abounds  with-  filh,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  year, 
with  gee fe,  ducks,  and  teal.  The  latter,  which  rc*rt  to  it  in 
jp:eat  nmnbers,  are  remarkably  good  and  extremely  fat,  ajadare 
much  better  flavoured  than  thofc  that  are  founc|  near  the  tea,  as 
;5f«hey  acquire  their  exccfl^ive  fatnefs  by  feeding  on  the  wild  rice# 
<irhich  grow  fo  plentifully  in  thefe  parts.  -^  ... 

Having  made  fome  acceptable  prefents  to  the  good  old  queen, 
and  received  her  blelling,  I  left  the  town  of  the  Winnebagoes 
on  the  29th  of  September,  and  about  twelve  miles  from  it  ar- 
lived  at  the  place  where  the  Fox  River  enters  the  Lake  on  the 
north  fide  of  it.  We  proceeded  up  this  river,  and  on  the  7th  of 
Oftober  reached  tlie  great  Carrying  Place,  which  divides  it 
from^  the  Oaifconfin*-^ 

The  Fox  Rivery'  from  the  Green  Bt  y  to  the  Carrying  Place, 
Is  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  miie-^.     From  the  Winnebago 
Lake  to  the  Carrying  PlacQ  the  currci-  is  gentle,  and  the  depth 
^cf  it  confiderable;  notwithfianding  which,  it  is  in  fome  place? 
)R-ith  difficulty  that  cannoes  can  pafs,  through  the  obfl;rucl:i9n^ 
Ihey  meet  with  from  tlic  rice  rtalks,  which  are  very  large  aifof 
thick,  and  grow  iKire  in  great  abundance.     The  country  arouij«| 
it  is  very  fertile  and  proper  in  the  higheft  degree  for  cultii'S- 
"tion,  excepting  in  folne  places  near  the  river,  where  it  is  rather-^ 
loo  low.     it  is  in  no  part  very  woody,  and  yet  can  fupplyi^filf-  , 
ficieiit  to  anfwer  she  demands  of  any  number  ot  inhabitants.  Tfils 


•■ 


[     31     1 


f$i 


riv€r  is  the  greateft  refort  for  wild  fowl  of  every  ki'nci  that  I 
met  with  i%  the  whole  courfe  of  my  travels;  frequei^y  the  futt 
would  be  oofciired  by  thein  for  fomc  minutes  together. 

About  forty  ^ifees  up  this  river,  from  the  great  town  pf  the 
Witmebagoes,  .{tands  a  fmaller  town  belonging  t6  that  nation. 

Deer  and  kekts  are  very  numerous  in  thefe  parts,  and  a  great 
many  beavers  and  Ql;her  furs  are  taken  on  the  ftrcanis  that  emp- 
ty themfclves  intft-ithis  rfevcr.     » 

The  river  I  ai^  treating  of,  is  renwrkable  for  having  been, 
about  eighty  years  ago,  the  refidence  of  the  united  bands  of  the 
Ottigaumies  and  the  Saukies,  whom  the-French  had  nicknametl, 
according  to  their  wonted  cuiloffl,  Des  Sacs  and  Des  Reynards, 
the  Sacks  and  the  Foxes,  of  whom  the  following  anecdote  was 
relaf&d  to  me  by  an  Indian. 

About  fixty  years  ago,  the  French  miilionaries  and  traders 
having  received  many  infults  fromthcfe  people,  a  party  ofFrendi 
and  Indians,  under  the  command  (^'Captain  Morand  marched  to 
revenge  their  wrongs.  The  Captain  fet  out  from  the  Green 
Bay  in  the  winter,' when  they  were  unfufpicious  of  avifit  of  this 
kind,  and  purfuing  his  route  over  the  fnow  to  their  villages, 
whith  lay  about  fifty  miles  up  the  Fox  River,  came  upon  them 
by  furprize.  Unprepared  as  they  were,  he.found  them  an  eafy 
conqueft,  and  confequently  killed  or  took  prifoners  the  greatell 
part  of  them.  On  the  return  of  the  French  to  the  Green  Bay, 
one  of  the  Indian  chiefs  in  alliance  with  them,  who  had  a  con- 
fiderablc  band  of  the  prifoners  under  his  care,  flopped  to  drink 
at  a  brook ;  in  the  mean  time  l^is  companions  went,  on;  which 
being  obferved  by  one  of  the  women  whom  they, had  made-cap- 
tive,  fhe  fuddenla  feized  him  with  both  her  hands,  wl^lft  he 
ftoopedtodrinlv,  byancxquifitely  fufceptible  part,  and  htffd'him 
faft  till  he  expired  on  the  fpot.  As  the  chief,  f'rom  the  extreme 
torture  he  fuffered,  was  unable  to  cai|fout  to  his  friends,  or  to 
give  any  alarm,  they  palled  on  without  knowing  what  had  hap- 
pened; and  the  woman  having  cut  the  bands  of  thofe  of  hcrfel- 
low  prifoners  who  were  in  the  rear,  withthcmmade  her  efcape. 
This  heroine  was  ever  after  treated  hy  her  nation  as  their  deli- 
verer, and  made  a  chicfcfs  in  her  own  right,  with  liberty  to  en- 
tail the  fame  honour  on  her  dcfcendants :  an  unufual  diftinftion, 
and  permitted  only  on  extraordinary  occafions. 

About  twelve  miles  before  I  reached  the  Carrying  Place^  I  ob- 
ferved feveral  fmallmountainsvvhich  extended  quite  to  it.  Thefe 
indeed  would  only  be  eileemed  as  molehills  when  compared  with 
thofe  on  the  back  of  the  colonies,  but  as  they  were  the  firll  I 
had  (ticn  fince  my  leaving  Niagara,  a  track  of  nearly  eleven  hund- 
red ijiiles,  1  could  not  leave  them  unnoticed. 

The  Fox  River,  where  it  enters  the  Winnebago  Lake,  is 
about  fifty  yards  wide,  but  it  gradually  dccreafes  to  the  Carry- 
ing Place,  where  it  is  no  more  than  five  yards  over,  except  in 
^|ew  places  where  it  widens  into  fmall  lakes,  though  flill  of  a 

er«ble  depth.    J  cannot  recoiled  any  thing  clfe  that  is  re- 

markHbIc 


ii-i 


fl^     L    i. 


markable  in  this  rivcr;^'1except  that  it  is  fo  ferpentine  for  five 
Hiilea*  as  emly  to  g^  in  that  place  one  quarter  of  iMlle.         * 

The  Carrying  i^Stce  between  the  Fox  and  Ouifcotnm  Rivc|*is 
in  breadth  not^ore  than  a  mile  and  three  (jtiiirters,  thougS  iii 
fome  maps  it  is  fo  delineated  as  to  appear  to  betcn  miles.  And 
here  I  cannot  he!p  remarking,  that  all  the  maps  of  tliefe  parts, 
I  have  ever  fecn,  are  very  erroneous.  Thc-VlVers  in  general 
are  defer ibed  asjunning  in  different  dltcftioris  from  vi^hat  they 
really  do;  and  iiiany  branches  of  them,  particularly  of  the  Mif- 
fiflippi,  omitted.  The  diftances  of  places,  likewise,  are  greatly 
mifreprefented.  Whether  thi|^is  done  by  the  French  geogra- 
phers (for  the  Engli^Ti  maps  are  all  copied  from  theirs)  thfough 
dcfign,  or  for  want  ofajull  knowledge  of  the  country,  I  can- 
not fay;  but  I  am  fatislicd  that  travellers  who  depend  upon 
them  in  the  parts  Ivifited,  will  find  themfelves  much  at  aiofs. 

Near  one  half  of  the  way,  between  the  rivers,  is  a  morafs 
overgrown  with  a  k!fv^  of  long  grafs,  the  reft  of  it  a  plain  with 
fome  few  oak  and  pine  trees  growing  thereon,  I  obferved  here 
a  great  number  of  rattle-fnakes.  Monf.  Pinnifance,  a  French 
trader,  told  me  a  remarkable  flory  concerning  one  of  thefe  rep- 
tiles, of  which,  he  faifl,  he  was  an  eye-witnefs.  An  Indian,  be- 
longing to  the  Menomonie  nation,  having  tsken  one  of  them, 
found  means  to  tame  it;  and  when  he  had  done  this,  treated  it 
as  a  Deity;  calling  it  his  Great  Father,  and  carrying  it  with  him 
in  a  box  wherever  he  went.  This  the  Indian  had  done  for  fe- 
veral  fummers,  when  Monf.  Pinnifance  accidentalkr  met  with 
him  at  this  Carrying  Place,  juft<.as  he  was  fetting  cot  for  a  win- 
ter's hunt.  The  French  gentleman  was  furprized,  one  day,  to 
tee  thU  Indian  place  the  box  which  contained  his  god  on  the 
ground,  and  opening  the  door  give  him  his  liberty ;  telling  him, 
whilft  he  did  it,  to  be  liire  and  return  by  the  time  he  himfelf 
Ihould  come  back,  whicffNvas  to  be  in  the  month  of  May  fol- 
lowing. As  this  was  but  October,  Monfieur  told  the  Indian, 
whofe  fimpiicity  afloniflied  him,  that  he  fimcied  he  might  wait 
Jong  enough  when  May  arrived,  for  the  arrival  of  his  great  fa- 
ther- The  Indian  was  fo  confident  of  his  creature's  obedience, 
that  he  offered  to  lay  the  Frenchman  a  wager  of  two  gallons  of* 
rum,  that  at  the  time  appointed  he  would  come  and  crawl  into 
his  box.  This  was  agreed  on,  and  the  fecond  week  in  May  fol- 
lowing fixed  for  the^determination  of  the  wager.  At  that  peri- 
od they  both  met  there  again;  \^hen  the  Indian  fet  down  his 
box,  and  called  for  l|is  great  father.  The  fnake  heard  him  not; 
and  the  time  being  now  expired,  he  ackowledged  that  he  had 
loft.  However,  without  feeming  to  be  difcouraged,  he  offered 
to  double  the  bett  if  his  great  father  came  not  within  two  day* 
more.  This  was  further  agreecl  on;  when  behold  on  the  fecond 
day,  about  one  o'clock,  the  fnake  arrived,  and,  of  his  own  ac-  >' 
cord  crawled  into  the  box,  which  was  placed  ready  for  hiiji.  ; 
The  French  gentleman  vouched  for  the  tr-ith  of  this  ftory,  aj&,^| 

*     from 


^ 


r 


IIS  own  ac- 


[33'] 

from  the  i^counts  I  havtf  often  received  o$  the  docility  of  thofd 
creatures,  I  fce  no,reafon  to  doubt  his  veracity. 

I  Qbfcrved  thi^  the  main  body  of  the  Fox  River  came  from 
the  fouth-wcft,  that  fl^jLtheOuifconfin  from  the  north-eaft;  and 
alfo  that  fonie  of 'thelmall  branches  of  thefe  two  rivers,  in  de- 
icending  into  them,  (doubled,  within  a  few  feet  of^each  other, 
a  little  to  the  fouth  of  tfte  Carrying  Place.  That  tWo  fuch  ri- 
vers fhould  take  their  rife  fo  near  each  other,  and<aftcr  running 
fuch  different  co\irfcs,  empty  themfelvcs  into  the  fea,  at  a  diftance 
fo  amazing  (for  the  former  haviiig  palFcd  through  feveral  great 
lakes,  and  run  upwards  of  two  TOoufand  miles,  falls  infro  the 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  and  the  other,  after  joining  the  MilfiJSp- 
pi,  and  having  run  an  equal  number  of  miles,  difcmbogucs  itfelf 
into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico)  is  an  inllance  fcarcely  to  be  met  in 
the  cxtenfive  continent  of  North-America.  I  had  an  opportu- 
nity the  year  following,  of  making  the  fame  obfervations  on 
the  affinity  of  various  head  branches  of  the  waters  of  the  St. 
Lawrence  and  the  Mifliflippi  to  each  othef  j  and  now" bring  them 
as  a  proof,  that  the  opinion  of  thofe  geographers,  whoalFert, 
that  rivers  taking  their  rife  fo  near  each  other,  niuft  fpring  from 
the  fame  fource,  is  erroneous.  For  I  perceived  a  vifibly  dif-- 
tin<ft  fcparation  in  all  of  them,  notwithitanding,  in  fome  places, 
they  approached  fo  near,  that  I  could  Ijave  ftcppcd  from  "pn^  to  ' 
the  other.  •.,-         '  ■  ...'■, 

_On  the  8th  of  Ojtober  we  got  our  canoes  into  the  Oiiifcoiifiil 
River,  which  at  this  place  is. more  than  a  hundred  y^xA^  wide; 
and  the  next  day  arrived  at  the  Great  Town  of  the  Saakies.  This 
is  the  largcft  and  beft  built  Indiari  town  I  ever  faw.  It  contains  , 
about  ninety  houfes,  each  large 'enough- for  feveral  familiesv 
Thefe  are  built  of  hewn  plank,  neatly  jointed,  and  covered  with  V 
bark  fo  compaftly  as  to  keep  out  the  moll  penetrating  rains.  Be- 
fore the  doors  are  placed  comfortable  llicds,  in  which  the  inhti- 
bitants  fit,  when  the  weather  will  permit,  and  rmoakthei?;,^^. 
The  ftrccts  are  regular  and  fpacious;  Co  that  it  appeai^-^roTO 
like  a  civilized  town  than  the  abode  of  lavages.  The  land  ne^r 
the  town  Is  very  good.  In  their  plantations,  which  lie  adja- 
cent to  their  houfes,  and  which  are  neatly  laid  out,  they  raife 
great  quantities  of  Indian  corn,  beans,  melons,  &.c.  fo  that  this 
place  is  efteemed  the  bell  market  for  traders  to  furnifh  them- 
felvcs with  provifions,  of  any  within  eight  hundred  miles  of  it. 

The  Saukies  can  raife  about  three  hundred  warriors,  who  are  ■ 
generally  employed  every  fummer  in  makingf^ncurfions  into  the 
territories  of  the  Illinois  and  Pawnee  nations,  from  whence  they 
return  with  a  great  number  of  (laves.  But  thofe  people  fre- 
quently retaliate,  and,  in  their  turn,  deftroy  many  of  the  Sau- 
ries, \vhich  I  judge  to  be  the  reafon  that  theyincreafe  nofafter. 

Whilll  I  ftaid  here,  1  took  a  view  of  fome  mountains  that  lie 
ab^t  fifteen  miles  to  the  fouthward,  and  abound  in  lead  pre. 
tifceuded  on  one  of  the  higheit  of  Uiefe,  and  Jiad  an  exteUfive 

g  -.c^-;.v  view 


■^^f 


^n 


^.■^ 


.^■ 


^n     34     } 

^  view  of  the  country.  For  many  miles  nothing  %a?  tp  be  feen 
but  IcfFcr  mountains,  which  appeared  at  a  diftance  Itt^haycocks, 
they  heing  free  from  trees.  Only  a  few  grgves  of  hickety,  and 
Aunted  oaks,  covered  fume  of  the  vaiUtt||;'  9tb  plentiful  i^  lead 
here,  that  1  faw  large  quantities  of  it  ^j|^  aUout  the  ftreets  in 
the  town  belonging  to  the  Saukics,  and  it  feemed  to  be  as^ood 
as  the  produce  of  other  countries.      -iMtl^tf^'  ..-''•» 

On  the  loth  of  Odober  we  procccOT(i  down  jhc  river,  and 
the  next  day  reached  the  ihi}  town  of  the  Ottigaumies.  This 
town  contained  about  fifty  houfcs,  but  we  found  moft  of  them 
defeited,  on  account  of  an  epidemical  dilbrder  that  had  lately 
raged  among  them,  and  carried  off  more  than  one  half  of  the 
inhabitants.  The  greater  part  of  thofe  who  furvivedhad  retired 
into  the  woods,  to  avoid  the  contagion. 

On  the  15th  we  entered  that  extenfive  river  the  Mifllflippi. 
^  f  The  Ouifconfin,  from  the  Carrying  Place  to  the -part  where  it 
falls  into  the  MiflifTippi,  flows  with  a  fmooth  but  llrong  current; 
the  water  of  it  is  exceedingly  clear,  and  through  it  you  may  per- 
ceive a  fine  and  Tandy  bottom,  tolerably  ■"■  f^e  from  rocks.  In  it 
are  a  few  illands,  the  foil  of  which  appciredtobe  good,  though 
fomcwhat  woody.  The  land  near  the  river  alfo  feemed  to  be, 
in  general,  excellent;  but  that  at  a  diilance  is  very  full  of  moun- 
tains, where  it  is  faid  there  are  many  lead  mines. 

About  five  miles  from  thejunftion  of  the  rivers,  I  obferved 
the  ruins  of  a  large  town  in  ■  a  very  pleafing  fituation.  On  en- 
quiring of  the  neighbouring  Indians  why  it  was  thus  defcrted,  I 
was  informed,  that  about  th'-ty  years  ago,  the  Great  Spirit  hgd 
appeared  on  the  top  of  a  pyi-amvd  of  rocks,  which  lay  at  alittle 
diftance  from  it,  towards  the  weft,  and  warned  them  to  quit 
tjieir  habitations;  for  the  land"  on  which  they  were  built  belong- 
ed to  him,  and  he  hadoccalion  for  it.  As  a  proof  that  he,  who 
gave  them  thefe  orders  was  really  the  Great  Spirit,  he  further 
told  them,  that  the  grafs  lliould  immediately  fpring  up  on  thofe 
very  rocks  from  whence  he  now  addrelfed  them,  which  they 
knew  to  be  bare  and  barren.  The  Indians  obeyed,  and  foon 
after  difcovered  that  this  miraculous  alteration  had  taken  place. 
They  iTiewed  me  the  fpot,  but  the  growth  of  the  grafs  appeared 
to  be  no  ways  fupernatural.  I,  apprehend  this  to  have  been  a 
llratagcm  of  the  French  or  Spaniards  to  anfwer  fomefelfifli  viewj 
but  in  what  manner  they  effcfted  their  purpofes  1  know  not. 

This  people,  foon  after  their  removal,  buHt  a  town  on  the 
hank  of  the  MilTiflippi,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Ouifconfin,  at  a 
place  called  by  the  French  La  Prairies  les  Chiens,  which  figni- 
fies  the  Dog  Flaihs;  it  is  a  large  town,  and  contains  about  three 
hundred  families;  the   houfes  are  well  built   after  the  Indian 
manner,  and  pleafantly  fituated  on  a  very  rich  foil,  from  which 
they  rait'e  every  neceflTary  of  life  in  great  abundance.     I/awher0 
many  horfes  of  a. good  fize  and  lliape.     This  town  is  thegroiiit^ 
mart  where  all  the  adjacent  tribes,  and  even  thofe  "who  inb^hMf 
the  moft  remote  branches  of  the  Mifliflippi,  annully  aflTetpBiJF 
.  -  Hhoyk 


;t 


.r 


*«', 


4     35     1  ■ 

about  th«l|^^<Jt1<(  of  May,  bringing  with  them  their  furs  m 
difpofe  Qr^#|hiB  traders.  But  it  is  not  always  that  they  con- 
ciudejhefrfate  hjByti^this  is  determined  by  a  general  council  of 
tfie  ffllefs,  Avho  e*>!ilBj%,whcther  it  would  be  more  conducive  to 
their  intereft,  tp^fell^iHr  goods  at  this  place,  or  carry  them  on 
toLouifiana,  or  Mi(^Umackinac.  According  to  the  dccifioii  of 
this  council  they  eitln^^pioceed  further,  or  return  to'  their'*dif- 
fcrcnt  homes.       -''^     *    '*'"       •   •  /\-y 

The  Miimnppl,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Ouifconfin.near  which 
ftands  a  mountain  of  confiderable  height,  is  about  half  a  milj 
over;  but  oppofite  to  the  laft  mentioned  town  it  appears  to  bo 
more  than  a  mile  ^ide,  and  full  of  iflands,  the  foil  of  which  is 
extraordinary  rich,  and  but  thinly  wooded. 

A  little  farther  to  the  well,  on  the  contrary  fide,  a  fmall  river 
falls  into  the  Mifliflippi,  which  the  French  qallLc  Jaun  Riviere, 
or  the  Yellow  River.  Here  the  traders  who  had  accompanied 
me  hitherto,  took  up  ti.eir  refidence  for  the  winter.  1  thcii 
bought  a  canoe,  and  with  two  fervants,  one  a  French  Canadian, 
and  the  other  a  Mohawk  of  Canada,  on  the  19th  proceeded  up 
the  Mifliflippi. 

About  ten  days  after  I  had  parted  from  the  traders,  I  landed 
as  I  ufually  did  every  evening,  and  having  pitched  my  tent,  I 
ordered  my  men,  when  night  came  on,^  to  lay  themfelvcs  down 
to  fleep.  By  a  light  that  J  kept  burning  I  then  fat  down  to  co- 
py the  minutes  I  had  taken  in  the  courfe  of  the  prectfeding  day.. 
About  ten  o'clock,  having  jufl:  linifhed  my  memorandums,  1  (iep4 
ped  out  of  my  tent  to  fee  what  weather  it  was.  As  I  cad  nv/ 
eyes  towards  the  bank  of  the  river,  I  thought  I  faw  by  the  li^ht 
oftheftars,  which  iTione  bright,  fomething  that  had  the  apfiteaf*- 
anceofa  herd  of  hearts  coming  down  a  defcent  at  fome  diftaifice'^ , 
whilft  I  was  wondering  what  they  could  be,  one  of  the  numbeit 
fuddenly  fprung  up,  and  difcovered  to  me  the  form  Of  a  man. 
Jn  an  inftant  they  were  all  on  their  legs,  and  I  could  count  about 
ten  or  twelve  of  them  running  towards  me.  I  immediately  re- 
entered the  tent,  and  having  awakened  my  men,  ordered  them  to 
take  their  arms,  and  follow  me.  As  myHrft  apprehenfions  were 
for  my  canoe,  I  ran  to  the  water's  fide,  and  found  a  party  of  In- 
dians (for  fuch  I  now  difcovered  them  to  be)  on  the  point  of 
plundering  it.  Before  1  reached  them  I  commanded  my  men  not 
to  fire  till  I  had  given  the  word,  being  unwilling  to  begin  hofli- 
lities  unlefs  occafion  abfolutcly  required.  I  accordingly  advan- 
ced with  refolution,  clofe  to  the  points  of  their  fpears,  they 
had  no  other  weapons,  and  brandilliing  my  hanger,  asked  them 
with  a  fl:ern  voice,  what  they  wanted?  They  were  fiiaggered  at 
this,  and  perceiving  they  were  like  to  meet  with  a  warm  recep- 
tion, turned  about  and  precipitately  retreated.  We  purfued 
them  to  ar)' adjacent  wood,  which  they  entered,  and  we  faw  flo 
more  of  tfcem.  However,  for  fear  of  their  return,  we  watched 
iltetJiateeljy  during  the  remainder  of  the  night.  The  neKt  day  my 
fervid,  ^ere  under  great  apprehcnfions,  and  earne.ftly  entreat- 
ed 


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W 


«l 


':"'■   J.I 


11 


!i'-,'*ij 


n*^.; 


iS 


ed  mc  to  return  to  the  traders  wc  had  lately  Idl.  ^bt  I  told 
them,  that  if  they  would  not  bo  ertecmcd  Qld  women <%  term  of 
the  grcatcit  reproach  among  the  Iiidians)  theymuft  fellovvr  mcj, 
for  i  was  determined  tn  puiuic  my  intendpl^routc,  as  anEr^flil^ 
man,  when  once  engaj^cd  in  an  ad>  cntiijip|wver,  i^ctreated.  On 
this  they  got  into  the  canoe,  and  I  wa^d  oil  the  ihorc  to 
guard  tht.ni  from  any  further  attack.  Th|i|)iftrty  of  Indians  who 
had  thus  intended  to  plunder  uk',  I  afterwirds  found  to  befomo 
of  thofe  Ihaggiing  bands,  that,  having  been  driven  from  among 
the  diiKoreiit  tribes  to  which  they  belonged  for.  various  crimes, 
now  alFociated  thcmlelves  together,  and,  livhig  by  plunder, 
prove  very  troublefomc  to  travellers  who  pafs^this  way ;  nor  arc 
even  Indians  of  every  tribe  fpared  by  them.  Th(i  traders 
had  before  cautioned  me  to  be  upon  my  guard  againll  them,  and 
1  would  repeat  the  fame  caution  to  thofe  whofe  bulinei's  might 
call  them  into  thefe  pirrts.  ,• 

On  the  fail  of  November  I  arrived  at  Lake  Pepin,  wh'ch  is 
rather  an  extended  part  of  the  R;ver  Miilillippi,  that  th^Ficnch 
have  thus  denominated,  about  tv;o  hundred  miles  from  the  Ouif- 
confin.  The  JVliflillippi  below  this  Lake  fioite  with  a  gentle  cur- 
rent, but  the  breadth  oi  it  is  very  unccrtajjp,  in  fome  places  it 
being  upwards  of  a  mile,  in  others  not  mo^  than  a  quarter. 
This  river  has  a  range  of  mountains  on  cacfilide  throughout  the 
whole  of  the  way  ;  which  in  particuljur  parts,  approach  near  to 
it,  in  others  lie  at  a  greater  diftanc^.  The  land  bef.wixt  the 
mountains,  and  ctn  their  (ides,  is  getierally  covered  with  graf* 
with  a  few  groves  of  trees  interfperfed,  near  which  large  droves 
of  deer  and  elk  are  frequently  feen  feeding. 

In  many  places  pyramids  of  rocks  appeared,  refembling  old 
ruinous  towers;  at  others  amazing  precipices;  and  what  is  ve- 
ry remarkable,  whilll:  thi5  fccne  prefented  itfelf  on  one  fide, 
the  oppofite  fid^  of  the  fame  mountain  was  covered  with  the 
fincfl  herbage,  which  gradually  afcended  to  its  fummit.  From 
thence  the  moll  beautiful  and  extenfive  profpe6l  that  imaginati- 
on can  form  opens  to  your  view.  Verdant  plains,  fruitful  mea- 
dows, numerous  iflands,  and  all  thefe  abounding  with  avarietyof 
trees  that  yield  amazing  quantities  of  fruit,  without  care  or  cul- 
tivation; fuch  as  the  nut- tree,  the  maple  which  produces  fugar, 
vines  loaded  with  rich  grapes,  and  plum-trees  bending  under 
their  blooming  burdens,  but  above  all,  the  line  river  i^owing 
gently  beneath,  and  reaching  as  far  as  the  eye  can  extend,  by 
turns  attract  your  admiration  and  excite  your  wonder. 

The  Lake  is  about  twent/ miles  long,  and  near  fixinbreadth; 
In  fome  places  it  is  very  deep,  and  abounds  with  various  kinds 
of  filTi.  Great  numbers  of  fowl  frequent  alfo  this  Lake  and  ri- 
vers adjacent;  fuch  as  ftorks,  fvvans,  geefe,  brants,  and  ducks: 
and  in  the  groves  are  found  great  plenty  of  turkeys  and  par- 
tridges. On  the  plains  are  the  largeft  buffaloes  of  any  in  Ame- 
rica,    Here  1  obfervcd  the  ruins  of  a  French  faftory,  wMie Jt 


Jii. 


Vi- 


IS 


'Ml 


N. 


is  raid  Captain  St.  Pierre  rcfidcd,  and  carried  on  a  very  ^reat 
irade  with  the  Naudowcfliesv  bcfor&thc  rcdudion  of  Canada. 

About  fixty  miles  below  this  Lake  is  a  mountain  remarkably 
fitjwted;  for  it  lhi\da  by  itCclf  exaftly  in  tlic  middle  of  the  Ri- 
ve'r,  and  ioolui  asjf  It  had  Hidden  from  the  adjacent  fliore  into 
the  Aream.  It  caonot  be  termed  an  illand,  as  it  rifes  immedi- 
ately from  the  fiirink  of  the  water  to  a  confiderabic  hcij^ht. 
Coth  the  Indians  arid  the  French  call  it  the  Mountain  in  tlui  Ri- 
ver. 

One  day  having  landed  on  the  ftore  of  the  MifUflippi,  fome 
miles  below  Lake  I\'pin,  whilrt  my  attendants  were  preparing 
jny  dinner,  I  wrflked  out  to  take  a  view  of  the  adjacent  coun- 
try.    I  had  not  proceeded  far,  before  I  came  to  a  line,  level, 
open  plain,  on  which  I  perceived  at  a  little  diftance,  a  partial 
elevation  that  had  the  appearance  of  an  intrenchment.      On  a 
nearer  infpcftion  I  had  greater  realbn  td  fuppofe  that  it  had 
really  been  intended  for  this  many  centuries  ago.  Notwithftand- 
'ing  it  was  now  covered  with  grafs,  I  could  plainly  difcern  that 
it  had  once  been  a  breaft-work  of  about  four  feet'in  height,  ex- 
tending the  bell  f>art  of  a  mile,  and  fufficiently  capacious  to  co- 
ver five  thoufand  men'.     Its  form  was  fomewhat  circular,  and 
its  flanks  reached  to  the  River.     Though  much  defaced  by  time, 
every  angle  was  diftinguilhable,  and  appeared  as  regular,  and 
fafhioned  with  as  much  military  skill,  as  if  planned  by  Vauban 
himfelf.     The  ditch  was  not  vifible,  but  I  thought  on  examin- 
ing more  curioufly,  that  I  could  perceive  there  certainly'  had 
been  ont.     From  its  fituation  alfo,  I  am  convinceij  that  it  muft 
have  been  defigned  fol-  this  purpofe.     It  fronted  the  country, 
and  the  rear  was  covered  by  the  River ;  nor  was  there  any  rif- 
ing  ground  for  a  confiderable  way  that  commanded  it;   a  few 
ftraggling  oaks  were  alone  to  be  fctn  near  it.     Jn  many  places, 
fmall  trads  were  worn  acrofs  it  by  the  feet  of  the  elks  and  deer, 
and  from  the  depth  of  the  bed  of  earth  by  which  it  was  cover- 
ed, I  was  able  to  draw  certain  conclufions  of  its   great  anti- 
quity.    I  examined  all  the  angles  and  every  part  with  great  at- 
tention, and  have  often  blamed  myfelf  fince,  for  not  encamping 
on  the  fpot,  and  drawing  an  exact  plan  of  it.     To  Aew  that 
this  defcrntion  is  not  the  offspring  of  a  heated  imagination,  or 
the  chim.     ;il  tale  of  a  miftaken  traveller,   I  find  on  enquiry 
fmce  my  reiurn,  that  Monf.  St,  Pierre  and  feveral" traders  have, 
at  different  times,  taken  notice  of  fimilar  appeariinces,  on  which 
they  have  formed  the  fame  conjectures,  but  without  examining 
them  fo  minutely  as  I  did.     How" a  work  of  this  kind  could  ex- 
ift  in  a  country  that  has  hitherto  (according  to  the  general  re- 
ceived opinion)  been  the  feat  of  war  to  untutored  Indians  alone, 
whofe  whole  llock  of  military  knowledge  has  only,  till  within 
two  centuries,  amounted  to  drawing  the  bow,  and  whofe  only 
breaft-work  even  at  prefent  is  the  thicket,  I  know  not.     I  have 
given  as  exaft  an  account  as  poffible  of  this  lingular  appearance, 

anfl 


of" 


..    [    38    1% 

and  lea^e  to  future  explorers  of  thefe  difta^  regions  to  diTco- 
CiVet  whether  it  is  a  produftion  of  nature  or  art." 

Perhaps  the  hints  I  have  here  given  might  lead  to  amoreper- 
feft  inveftigation  of  it,  and  give  us  very  different  ideas  of  the 
ancient  ftate  of  realms  that  we  at  prefent  beHevi  tb  have  been 
from  the  earlieft  period  only  the  habitations  of  favages.  #  , 

The  Mifllflippi,  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  tlie  River  St.  Croix, 
thirty  miles  above  Lake  Pepin,  is  very  full  Of  iflands,*  fome  of 
which  are  of  a  confiderable  length.  On  thefe,  alfo,  grow 
■  great  numbers  of  the  maple  or  fugar  tree,  and  around  them 
vines  loaded  with  grapes  creeping  to  their  very  tops.  From 
the  Lake  upwards  few  mountains  are  to  be  feen,  and  thofe  but 
fmall.  Near  tl^  River  St.  Croix  refide  three  bands  of  the 
Naudcw'effie  Indians,  called  the  River  Bands.  ^  ***' * 

This  nation  is  compofed,  at  prefent,  of  eleven  bands.  They, 
were  originally  twelve;  but  the  Alfinipoils  fome  years  ago  re- 
volting, and  feparating  themfelves  from  the  others,  there  re- ^ 
main  only  at  this  time  eleven.  Thofe  I  met  here  are  termed 
the  Rivel  Bands;  becaufe  they  chiefly  dwell  near  the  banks  of 
this  River:  tlje  other  eight  are  generally  diftlfiguilhed  by  the 
title  Naudoweffies  of  the  Plains,  and  inhabitu  country  that  lies 
more  to  the  weftward.  The  names  of  the  fofmer  are  the  Ne- 
hogatawonahs,  the  Mawtawbauntowahs,  and  the  Shahfweento- 
wahs,  and  confift  of  about  four  hundred  warriors. 

A  little  before  I  met  with  thefe  three  bands,  I  fell  in  with  a 
party  of  the  Mawtawbauntowahs,  amounting  to  forty  warriors 
and  their  families.  With  thefe  I  refided  a  day  or  twaf  during 
which  lime  five  or  fix  of  their  number,  who  had  been  out  on 
an  excurflon,  returned  in  great  hafte,  and  acquainted  their 
companions  that  a  large  party  of  the  Chipiway  warriors, 
♦'itniough,"  as  they  exprclTed  themfelves,  "  to  fwallow  them 
*^'  .all  up,"  were  clofe  at  their  heels,  and  on  the  point  of  attack- 
ing their  little  camp.  The  chiefs  app'ied  to  me,  and  defired  I 
would  put  myfelf  at  their  head,  and  lead  them  out  to  oppofe 
their  enemies.  As  I  was  a  rtranger,  and  unwilling  to  excite  the 
anger  of  either  nation,  I  knew  not  how  to  aft;  and  never  found 
myfelf  in  a  greater  dilemma.  Had  I  refufed  to  aflift  the  Naudo- 
weffies I  Ihouid  have  drawn  on  myfelf  their  difpleafure,  or  had 
I  met  the  Chip^ways  with  hoftile  intentions,  I  fhould  have  made 
that  people  my  foes,  and  had  1  been  fortunate  enough  to  have 
cfcaped  their  arrows  at  this  time,  on  fome  future  occafion 
ihouid  probably  have  experienced  the  fevcrityof  their  revenge. 
In  this  extremity  I  chofe  the  middle  courfe,  and  defired  that 
the  Naudoweffies  would  fuffcr  me  to  meet  them,  that  I  might 
endeavour  to  'avert  their  fury.  To  this  they  reluftantly  aflent- 
ed,  being  perfuaded,  froin  the  inveteracy  which  had  long  pre- 
vailed between  them,  that  my  remonftrances  would  be  in  vain. 

Taking  my  Frenchman  with  me,  who  could  fpeak  their  lan- 
guage, I  hallened  towards  the  place  where  the  Chipeways  were 
fuppofcd  to  be.      The  Naudoweilks  during  this  kept  at  a  dl- 

t  ftance 


'ii>e» 


'    *'  [     39    3    - 

fiance  behind.  As  I  approached  them  with  the  pipe  of  peace, 
a  fmall  party, of  their  chiefs,  confifting  of  about  eight  or  ten, 
came  in  a  friendly  manner  towards  me;  with  whom,  by  the 
means  of  my  interpreter,  I  held  a  long  converfation;  therefiilt 
of  which  was,  that  their  rancour  being  by  my  perfuafions  in  fome 
Djeafure  mollified,  they  agreed  to  return  back  without  accom- 
plifliing  their  favage  purpofes.  During  our  difcourfc  1  could 
perceive,  as  they  lay  fcattered  about,  that  the  party  was  very 
.numerous,  and  many  of  them  armed  with  muskets^. 

Having  happily  fucceeded  in  my  undertaking,  I  returned  with- 
out delay  to  theNaudoweflies,  and  defired  they  would  inftantly 
remove  their  camp  to  fome  other  part  of  the  country,  left  their 
enemies  fhould  repent  of  the  promife  they  had  given,  and  put 
thehr  intentions  in  execution.  They  accordingly  follotved  my 
advice,  and  immediately  prepared  to  ftrike  their  tents.  Whilft 
they  were  doing  this,  they  loaded  me  with  thanks ;  and  when  I 
had  feenthem  on  board  their  Canoes  I  purfued  my  route. 

To  this  adventure  I  was  chiefly  indebted  for  the  friendly  te-, 
ception  I  afte.rwards  met  with  from  the  Naudoweflies  of  thf 
Plains,  and  for  the  refpeft  and  honours  I  receiv^ed  during  mjr 
abode  among  them.  And  when  I  arrived  many  months  after  at 
the  Chipeway  village,  near  the  Ottowaw  lakes,  I  found  that  my 
fame  bad  reached  that  place  before  me.  The  chiefs  received 
me  with  great  cordiality,  and  the  elder  part  of  them  thanked 
mh  for  the  mifchief  I  had  prevented.  They  informed  me,  that 
the  war  between  their  nation  and  the  Naudoweffies  had  conti- 
nued wiiiQut  interruption  for  more  than  forty  winters.  That 
they  had  long  wifhed  to  put  an  end  to  it,  but  this  was  general- 
ly prevented  by  the  young  warriors  of  either  nation,  who  could 
not  reftrain  their  ardour  when  they  met.  They  faid,  they 
iTiould  be  happy  if  fome  chief  of  the  fame  pacific  difpofition  as 
myfelf,  arid  who  poflefled  an  equal  degree  of  refolution  and 
coolnefs,  would  fettle  in  the  country  between  the  two  nations; 
for  by  the  interference  of  fuch  a  pcrfon,  an  accommodation, 
which  on  their  parts  they  fincerely  defired,  might  be  brought 
about.  As  I  did  not  meet  any  of  t!ie  Naudowelfics  afterwards,. 
I  had  not  an  opportunity  ot  forwarding  fo  good  a  work. 

About  thirty  miles  below  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  at  which  I 
arrived  the  tenth  day  after  I  left  Lake  Pepin,  is  a  remarkable 
cave  of  an  amazing  depth.  The  Indians  term  it  Wakon-teebe, 
that  is,  the  Dwelling  of  the  Great  Spirit.  The  entrance  into  it 
is  about  ten  feet  wide,  the  height  of  it  live  feet.  The  arch 
within  is  near  fifteen,  feet  high  and  about  thirty  feet  broad. 
The  bottom  of  it  confifts  of  fine  clear  land.  About  twenty  feet 
from  the  entrance  begins  a  lake,  the  water  of  which  is  trafljijpa;- 
rent,  and  extends  to  an  unfearchable  diftance;  for  the  darkucfti 
of  the  cave  prevents  all  attempts  to  acquire  a  knowle»dge  of  it. 
r  threw  a  fmall  pebble  towards  the  interior  parts  of  it  with  my 
UJbRl^ft  ^rength :  1  could  hear  that  it  fell  into  the  water,  an^: 
iiofc\irjythftanaing  it  was  of  fo  fmall  a  fize,  it  caufed  an  afti  mi  fil- 
ing 


■W'' 


■^  C*.i)l 


#i 


fng  and  horrible  noife  that  reverberated  through  all  thofe  glod- 
my  regions,  rfoiind  m  this  cave  many  Indian  hieroglyphicks, 
which  appeared  very  ancient,  for  time  had  nearly  covered  them 
withmofs,  fo  that  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  trace  them. 
They  were  cut  in  a  rude  manner  upon  the  infide  of  the  walls, 
which  were  compofed  of  a  ftone  fo  extremely  foft  that  it  might 
cafily  be  penetrated  with  a  knife :  a  ilone  every  where  to  be 
found  near  the  Mifliflippi.  The  cave  is  only  acceffible  by  af- 
fcending  a  natrow,  deep  palTagc  that  lies  near  the  brink  of  the* 
liver. 

At  a  little  diftance  from  this  dreary  cavern  h  the  burying- 
place  of  feveral  bands  of  the Naudoweflie  Indians:  though thef© 
people  have  no  fixed  rcfidence,  living  In  tents,  and  abiding  but 
a  few  months  on  one  fpot,  yet  they  always  bring  the  bones  of 
their  dead  to  this  plape;  which  they  take  the  opportunity  of  do- 
ing when  the  chiefs  meet  to  hold  their  councils,  and  to  fettle 
9II  public  affairs  for  the  enfuing  fuir.mer. 

Ten  miles  below  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony  the  River  St.  Pierre, 
called  by  the  natives  the  Waddapawmenefotor,  falls  into  the 
JVflirullppi  from  tlie  Weil:.  It  is  not  mentioned  by  Father  Hen^ 
nipin,  although  a  large  fair  river':  this  omiflion  I  conclude, 
muft  have  proceeded  fromafmall  ifland  that  is  fituated  exaftly 
at  its  entrance,  by  which  the  fight  of  it  is  intercepted.  I  fhould 
rot  have  difcovered  this  river  myCelf,  had  I  not  taken  a  viei^v, 
when  I  was  fearching  for  it,  from  the  high  lands  oppofite, 
which  rife  to  a  great  height. 

Nearly  over  againft  this  river  I  was  obliged  to  leav*fe  my  ca- 
noe, on  account  of  the  ice,  and  travel  by  land  to  theFallsof  St* 
Anthony,  where  I  arrived  on  the  17th  of  November.  The 
MifliiUppi  from  the  St.  IMerre  to  this  place  is  rather  more  ra- 
pid than  1  had  hitherto  found  it,  and  without  iflands  of  any  con- 
fideration. 

Before  1  left  my  canoe  I  overtook  a  young  prince  of  the 
Winnebago  Indians,  who  was  going  on  an  embafTy  to  fome  of 
the  bands  of  the  NaudowclCcs.  Finding  that  I  intended  to 
take  a  view  of  the  Falls,  he  agreed  to  accompany  me,  his  cu- 
riofity  having  been  often  excited  by  tlie  -accounts  he  had  receiv- 
ed from  fome  of  his  chiefs :  he  accordingly  left  his  family  (for 
the  Indians  never  travel  without  their  houlTiolds^  at  this  place, 
under  the  care  of  my  Mohawk  fervant,  and  we  proceeded  to- 
gether by  land,  attended  pnly  by  my  Frenchman,  to  this  cele- 
brated place. 

We  could  diftinftly  hear  the  noife  of  the  water  full  fifteen 
miles  before  we  reached  the  falls  j  and  I  was  greatly  pleafed 
and  furprizcd,  v/hen  I  apjiroached  this  aftoniihing  work  of  na- 
ture: but  I  was  not  long  at  liberty  to  indulgfe  thefe  emotionsj 
my  actv:iitioii  bcini^  culled  off  by  the  behaviour  of  my  compa- 
nion. 

«    The  prince  had  no  fooner  gained  the  point  that  overlfK>kS 
this  V,  oiuieiuil  calca^Ci  than' lie  bejjan  with  an  audible  vofo  to 

ad^refs 


.-'^v 


i.*. 


addrels  the  Great  Spirit,  one  of  whofe  places  of  refidence  h* 
imagined  tiiis  to  be.  He  told  liim  that  he  had*comG  a  long 
way  to  pay  his  adorations  to  him,  and  now  would  mal^Hm  the 
beft  offerings  in  his  power*  He  accordingly  rirft  threw  his  pipe 
into  the  dream;  then  the  roll  that  contained  his  tobacco j  af- 
ter thefe,  the  bracelets  he  wore  on  hi^  arms  and  Wrifls ;  -next 
an  ornament  that  encircled  his  neck,  compofed  of  jbeads  and 
wires;  and  at  laft  the  ear-rings  from  his  ears;  in  Ihort,  he  pre- 
fented  to  his  god  every  part  of  his  drefs  that  was  valuable  i , 
during  this  he  frequently  fmote  his  breaft  with  great  violence, 
threw  his  arms  about,  and  appeared' to  be  much  agitated. 

All  this  while  he  continued  his  adorations  and  at  length  con- 
cluded them  with  fervent  petitions  that  the  Great  Spirit  would 
conrtantly  afford  us  his  prd||ftion  on  our  travels,  giving  us  sL 
bright  fun,  a  blue  sky^  and  clear  untroubled  waters :  nor  would 
he  leave  the  place  till  we  had  fmoaked  together  with  my,  pipQ 
in  honour  of  the  Great  Spirit.  -^B*k  ..^^'!f*%a;s}- 

I  was  greatlyfcrprized  at  beholding  an  inftance  of  l^uch  ele- 
vated devotion  in  fo  young  an  Indian,  and  inllead  of  ridiculing; 
the  ceremonies  attending  it,  as  I  obferved  my  catholic  ferv| 
tacitly  did,  I  looked  on  the  prince  with  a  greatel:  degree  ofe.^ 
fpeft  for  thefe  fincere  proofs  he  gave  of  his  piety;  and  I  dot 
not  t)ut  that  his  offerings  and  prayers  were  as  acceptable  to 
the  univerfal  Parent  of  mankind,  as  if  they  had  be^  made  with 
greater  pomp,  or  in  a  confecrated  place.       • 

Indeed,  the  whole  condudl  of  tlis  yoinig  prince  at  onCQ 
amazed  and  charmed  me.  During  the  few  days  we  were  toge- 
ther his  attention  fccmcd  totally  to  be  employed  in  yielding  me 
«^ery  affiftance  in  his  power ;  and  even  in  fo  iliort  a  time  ho 
gave  me  innumerable  proofs  of  the  moft  generous  and  dilinterefted 
friendlhip ;  fo  that  on  our  return  I  parted  from  him  with  greit 
reludance.  Whilfl:  I  beheld  the  artlefs,  yet  engaging  manne^ 
of  this  unpoliflied  favagc,  I  could  not  help  drawing  a  compaf^ 
fon  between  hiiti  and  fomc  of  the  mure  refined  inhabitants  oi 
civilized  countries,  not  much,  I  own,  in  favour  of  the  latter^ 

The  Falls  of  St.  Anthony  received  their  name  ^iom  Fathcf 
Louis  Hennipin,  a  Frenclf  miflionary,  who  travelled  into  thefe 
parts '^bout  the  year  1680,  and  was  the  firft  European  ever  feen 
by  the  natives.  This  amazing  body  of  waters,  which  are  above 
250  yards  over,  form  amort  plcafinjg  cataradt;  they  fall  perpen- 
dicularly about  thirty  feet,  and  the  rapids  below,  in  the  (pace 
of  300  yards  more,  render  the  defcent  conliderably  greater  ;„fo 
that  when  viewed  at  a  diftance  they  appear  to  be  much  high* 
er  than  they  really  are.  The  above-mentioned  traveller  ht^t 
laid  tli€in  down  at  above  fixty  feet;  but  he  has  made  a  greater 
«rror  in  calculating  the  height  of  the  lalls  of  Niagara;  which 
heafferti^to  be  606  feet;  whereas  from  latter  obfervatiohs  ac- 
« c^rately  made,  it  is  well  known  th&t  it  docs  not  exceed  i4oteec. 
'  Bfctjhegood  father  1  fear  too  b.ften  had  no  oth6f  Jt^uiidatipii 
liwlla  accounts  tlian  report,  or,  tit  1m;%^|.  iligfit  infpeftion- 

4=-     -!i,«"  W  .,■    ^ 


i  tV'",' 


t  a 


«6j       1 


I 


illfnini^ 


In  the  middle  of  the  Falls  flands  a  finall  ifland,  about  forty 
feet  b^oad  and  fomewhat  longer,  on  which  grow  a  few  cragged 
hemlocic  and   fpruce  trees ;  -and  about  half  way  between  this 
ifland  and  the  eaftern  iJhore  is  a  rock,  lying  at  the  very  edge  of 
the  Fall,  in  an  oblique  pofition,  that  appeared  to  be  about  five 
or  fix  feet  broad,  and  thirty  or  forty  long.     Thefe  Falls  vary 
much  from  all  the  others  I  have  feen,  as  you  may  approach 
clofe  to  them  without  findmg  the  leaft  obftrufliion  from  any  in- 
tervening hill  or  precipice. 
The  country  around  them  is  extremely  beautiful.    It  is.  not 
■    an  uninterrupted  plain  where  the  eye  finds  no  relief,  but  com- 
pofed  of  many  gentle  afcents,  which  in  the  fummer  are  covered 
p,  with  the  fineft  verdure,  and  interfperfed  with  little  groves,  that 

.        give  a  pleafing  variety  to  the  profpeft.     On  the  whole,  when 
'"       the  Falls  are  included,  which  may  be  feen  at  the  dillancc  of  four 
:  miles,  a  more  pleafing  and  pifturefque  view  cannot,  I  believe, 

Y^  be  found  throughout  the  univerfe.    I  coujd  hiive  wiihed  that  I 

V  had  happened  to  enjoy  this  glorious  fight  at  €  more  feafonable 
-ItBrie  of  the  year,  whil'lT:  the  trees  and  hillocks  were  clad  in  na- 
■^  fure's  gayeft  livery,  as  this  mull  have  greatly  added  to  the  plea- 
;.  Iftre  I  recefved ;  however,  even  then  it  exceeded  my  warmed 
expectations.'  I  have  endeavoured  to  give  the  reader  as  jufl:  an 
idea  of  this  enchanting  fpot  as  polfible,*  but  all  defcription, 
whether  of  the  pencil  or  the  pen,  muft  fall  infinitely  Ihort  of 
the  original.  ^^ 

At  a  little  diftance  bek)w  the  Falls  ftands  a  fmall  ifland,  of 
about  an  acre  and  an  half,  on  which  grow  a  great  number  of 
oak  trees,  every  branch  of  which,  able  to  fupport  the  weigjhti 
was  full  of  eagles  nefts.  The  reafon  that  this  kind  of  birds  re- 
fort  in  fuch  numbers  to  this  fpot,  is  that  they  are  here  fecure 
from  the  attacks  either  of  man  or  heart,  their  retreat  being 
7  .guarded  by  the  rapids,  which  the  Indians  never  attempt  to  pafs. 
Another  reafon  is,  that  they  find  a  conftant  fupply  of  food  for 
tbcmfelves  and  their  young,  from  the  animals  and  fiih  which 
are  dailied  to  pieces  by  the  falls,  and  driven  on  the  adjacent 
ihore.  ,       . 

,:^:  Having  fatisfied  my  curiofity,  as  far  as  the  eye  of  man  can  be 
fttlified,  I  proceeded  on,  ftlU  accompanied  by  my  young  friend, 
till  I  had  reached  the  River  St.  Francis,  near  fixty  miles  above 
the  Falls.  To  this  river  Father  Hennipin  gave  the  name  of  St. 
Francis,  and  this  was  the  extent  of  his  travels,  as  well  as  mine, 
towards  the  north-weft.  As  the  feafon  was  fo  advanced, 
and  the  weather  extremely  cold,  I  was  not  able  to  make  fo 
'■  many  obfervations  on  thefe  parts  ag  I  otherwife  ihould  have 
done.  *  '^  •   ""^       -  ■■  •^'• 

It  might  however,  perhaps,  be  neceflary  to  obferve,  that  in 

the  little  tour  I  made  about  the  Falls,  after  travelling  fourteen 

•    miles,  by  the  fide  of  the  Mifliffippi,  I  came  to  a  nvei  nearly 

-'       twenty  yards  wide,  which  ran  from  the  north-eaft,  calkd  JUun^ 

iliver.    And  on  the  aoth  of  Novenbei  came  to  another  lerdicd 


[    43    1 

Ooofe-River,  about  twelve  yards  wide.  On  the  2 ifl  I  arrived  at 
the  St.  Francis,  which  is  about  thirty  yards  wide.  Here  the^Mifli- 
flippi  itfelf  grows  narrow,  being  "not  more  than  ninety  yards 
over;  and  appears  to  be  chiefly  compoM  of  fmall  branch(is^ 
The  ice  prevented  me  from  noticing  the  depth  of  any  of  thefe 
three  rivers.  •     "  .^  •  .s.: 

The  country  in  fome  places  is  hilly,  but  without  large  moun- 
tains; and  the  land  is  tolerably  good.  I  obfervcd  here  many 
deer  and  carriboos,  fome  elk,  with  abundance  of  beavers,  ot- 
ters, and  other  furs.  A  little  above  this,  to  the  north-eafl:, 
are  a  number  oT  fmall  lakes  called  the  Thoufand  Lakes ;  the  parts- 
about  which,  though  but  little  frequented,  are  the  beft  within 
many  miles  for  hunting,  as  the  hunter  never  fails  of  returning 
loaded  beyond  his  expcftations. 

The  Milliflippi  has  never  been  explored  higher  up  than  the 
River  St.  Francis,  and  only  by  Father  Hennipin  and  myfeif  thus 
far.  So  that  we  are  obliged  folely  to  the  Indians,  for  all  the 
intelligence  we  arc  able  to  give  relative  to  the  more  northern 
parts.  As  this  River  is  not  navigable  from  the  fea  for  veflTels 
of  any  confiderable  burthen,  niuch^|iigher  up  than  the  Forks  of 
the  Ohio,  and  even  that  is  accomplilhed  with  great  difficulty, 
owing  to  the  rapidity  of  the  current,  and  the  windings  of  the 
river,  thofe  fettlements  that  may  be  made  on  the  interior  branches 
of  it,  muft  be  indifputably  fecure  from  the  attacks  of  any  ma- 
ritime power.  But  at  the  fame  time  the  fettlers  will  have  the  advan- 
tage of  being  able  to  convey  their  produce  to  thefea-ports  with 
great  facility,  the  current  of  the  river  from  its  fourpe  to  its  en- 
trance into  the  Gulph  of  Mexico,  being  extremely  favourable 
for  doing  this  in  fmall  craft.  This  might  alfo  in  time  be  facili- 
cated by  canals  or  ihorter  cuts;  and  a  communication -opened 
by  water  with  New  York,  Canada,  &c.  by  way  of  ther  lakes. 
Xhe  Forks  of  the  Ohio  are  about  nine  hundred  miles  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Miiliflippi,  following  the  courfe  of  the  river; 
and  the  MeiTorie  two  hundred  miles  above  thefe.  From  the 
latter  it  is  about  twenty  miles  to  the  Illinois  River,  and  froui 
that  to  the  Ouifconfin,  which  I  have  given  an  account  pf  about 
eight  hundred  more. 

On  the  25th  I  returned  to  my  canoe,  which  I  had  left  at  the 
mouth  of  the  River  St.  Pierre;  and  here  I  parted  with  regret 
from  my  young  friend  the  prince  of  the  Winncbagoes.  This 
river  being  clear  of  ice  by  reafon  of  its  fouthern  fituation,  I 
found  nothing  to  obitruft  my  paflTage.  On  the  28th,  being  ad- 
vanced about  forty  miles,  I  arrived  at  a  fmall  branch  that  fell 
into  it  from  the  north;  to  which,  as  it  had  no  name  that  I  could 
diftinguifh  it  by,  I  gave  my  own.  About  forty  miles  higher  up 
I  came  to  the  Forks  of  Verd  and  Red  Marble  Rivers,  which 
Join  at  fome  little  diftance  before  they  enter  the  3t.  Pierre. 

The  River  St.  Pierre,  at  its  junction  with  the  Mifllffippi,  ia 
jabout  a  hundred  yards  broad,  and  continues  that  breadth  near^ 
%»fl  tbe  way  1  failed  upon  it.    It  has  a  great  depth  of  water. 


i^*; 


Idp  ■  vifr 


r  ¥  ■> 


[    H    1 

$nd  in  fomc  places  runs  very  briskly.  About  fifty  miles  from  Its 
mduth  are  fomc  rapids,  an<i  much  higher  up  there  are  many 
Others,  I 

*  1  proceeded  up  this  river  about  two  hundred  miles  o  the 
country  of  the  Naudoweflies  of  the  Plains,  which  lies  a  little 
above  the  ji<orks  formed  by  the  Vcrd  «nd  Red  Marble  Rivers, 
jufl:  mentioned,  where  a  branch  from  the  fouth  nearly  joins  the 
iVIefforie  River,  By  the  accounts  I  received  from  the  Indians,  I 
have  reafon  to  believe  that  the  River  St.  Pierre  and  the  Meflb- 
yie,  thougti  they  enter  the  Mtfliilippi  twelve  hundred  miles  from 
each  other,  take  their  rife  in  the  fame  neighbourhood;  and  this 
ijjrithhi  the  fpace  of  a  mile. 

''^^'he  River  St.  Pierre's  northern  branch  rifes  from  a  number 
of  lakes  near  the  ihining mountains;  and  itisfromfome^f  thefc, 
atfo,  that  a  capital  branch  of  the  River  Uourbon,  which  runs 
into  Hudfon  s  Bay,  has  its  fources.  ^    « 

Frpm  the  intelligence  1  gained  from  the  Naudoweflie  Indians, 
among  whom  I  arrived  the  7th  of  December,  and  whofe  lan- 
guage I  perte6hly  acquired  during  a  refidcnce  of  five  months ; 
and  alfo  from  the  accounts  l^afterwards  obtained  from  the  Afli- 
nipoils,  who  fpeak  the  i'ame  tongue,  being  a  revolted  band  of 
the  Naudowclfics ;  and  from  the  Killiftlnocs,  neighbours  of  the 
Afllnipoils,  who  fpeak  the  Chipeway  language,  and  inhabit  the 
heads  of  the  River  Bourbon ;  I  fay  from  tnefe  nations,  toge- 
ther with  my  own  obfervatious,  I  have  learned  that  the  four 
moft  capital  rivers  on  the  Continent  of  North  America,  viz.  the 
St.  Lawrence,  the  Mifllflippi,  the  river  Bourbon,  and  the  Ore- 
gon of  the  river  of  the  Welt  (a,s  I  hinted  in  my  Intjoduftion) 
j^ave  their  fources  in  the  fame  neighbourhood.  The  waters  of 
the  three  former  are  within  thirty  miles  of  each  other  j  the  lat- 
ter, however,  is  rather  farther  weft.  "'"    *    '     ,         V. 

This  fhews  that  thefe  parts  are  the  higheft  lands  in  North 
America;  and  it  is  an  inftancc  not  to  be  paralleled  on  the  other 
three  quarters  of  the  globe,  that  four  rivers  of  fuch  magnitude 
ihould  take  their  rife  together,  .and  each,  after  running  fcparate 
courfcs,  difcharge  their  waters  into  different  oceans  at  the  di- 
fl:ance  of  two  thoufand  miles  from  their  fources.  For  in  their 
padage  from  thi$  fpot  to  the  bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  caft,  to  the 
bay  of  Mexico,  Ibuth,  to  Hudfon's  Bay,  north,  and  to  the  bay 
at  the  Straights  of  Annian,  well:,  each  of  thefe' iraverfe  up- 
wards of  two  thoufand  miles.  i     -viV' 

1  iTiall  here  give  my  Readers  fuch  rcficftions  as  occurred  to 
ine,  when  I  had  received  this  intercrting  information,  and  had 
by  numberlefs  enquiries,  afcertained  the  truth  of  it;  that  is,  as 
far  as  it  was  pofTiblc  to  arrive  at  a  certainty  without  a  perfonaj 
tnvclligation, 

It  is  well  known  that  the  Colonics,  particularly  thofe  of  New^ 
Englan4'  and  Canada,  are  greatly  afiefted,  about  the  time  their 
nvinter  fets  in,  by  a  north-weft  wind,  which  continues  for  CSV^' 
lal  WQttths,  andicnckrs  the  cold  much  more  intcnfe  there  tMa 


"Til -"■^-* —    -■^■-- -^■»-^^iMHir^'"«**''fr    '■"■"'   ■-'"'* 


it  is  in  the  interior  parts  of  America.  This  I  can,  from  my 
own  knowledge,  allert,  as  I  found  the  winter,  that  I  paflfed  to 
the  weft\vard  of  the  Mifliflippi,  far  from  fcvcre,*  and  the  north- 
well:  wind  blowmg  on  thofc  countries  conliderably  more  tempe- 
rate than  I  have  often  experienced  it  to  be  nearer  the  coaft. 
And  that  this  did  not  arife  from  an  uncertainty  of  the  feafons, 
but  was  annually  the  cafe,  I  conclude,  both  from  the  fniall 
quantity  of  fnow  tiiat  then  fell,  and  a  total  difufcof  fnowflioui; 
by  tLiefe  Indians,  without  which  none  of  the  more  callern  nati-  V 
ens  can  poflibly  travel  during  the  winter. 

As  natural ifls  obferve,  that  air  refembles  water  in  many  rc- 
fpcL^s,  parPJcularly  by  often  flowing  in  a  compafl:  body;  and  • 
that 'this  is  generally  remarked  to  be  with  the  current  of  largo 
llrcams,  and  feldom  acrofs  them,  may  not  the  winds  that  let 
violently  into  the  Hay  of  Mexico  about  the  latter  end  of  tho 
ycai^  taJitc  their  courfe  over  the  continent  in  the  fame  direftiou 
as  the  Mifllilippi  does;  till  meeting  with  the  north  winds  (thai 
from  a  limilar  caufe  blow  up  the  Bourbon  from  Hudfon's  Bay) 
they  are  forced  acrofs  the  great  lakes,  down  the  current  of  the 
waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  united,  commit  thofe'ravages, 
and  occafion  thofe  fevcre  winters,  experienced  in  the  before- 
mentioned  countries?  During  their  progrefs  over  the  lakes  the/ 
become  expanded,  and  confcquently  afFeft  a  greater  traftirf  land 
^han  they  othervvife  would  do. 

:*•' According  to  my  fcanty  knowledge- of  natural  philofophy, 
this  does  not  appear  improbable.  Whether  it  is  agreeable  to 
the  law^s  crtablilTied  by  naturalifts  to  account  for  the  operations 
ot  that  element,  I  know  not.  However,  the  defer iption  here 
given  of  the  fituation  of  thcfc  vaifl  bodies  of  water,  and  their 
near  approach  to  each  other,  with  my  own  undlgeilcd  fuppofi- 
tions  of  their  eiYcd:  on  the  winds,  may  prove  perhaps,  in  ablck- 
hands,  the  means  of  leading  to  many  ufeful  difcoverlcs. 

On  the  7th  of  December,  1  arrived  (as  I  faid  before)  at  the 
iitmoft  extent  of  my  travels  towards  the  wcil ;  where  I  met 
with  a  large  party  of  the  Naudoweflie  Indians,  among  whom  T 
relided  fevcn  months.  Thefe  conrtitutcd  a  part  of  the  eight 
bands  of  the  Naudoweflics  of  the  Plains;  and  are  termed  the 
Wawpeentowahs,  the  Tintons,  the  Afrahcootans,  the  Maw- 
haws,  and  the  Schians.  The  Other  three  bands,  whole  names 
are  the  Schianefe,  the  Chongoulceton,  and  the  Waddapawjc<yr^, 
dwell  higher  up,  to  the  well  of  the  River  St.  Pierre,  on  plains 
that,  according  to  their  account,  are  unbounded;  and  proba- 
bly terminate  on  the  coall  of  the  Pacilic  Ocean.  The  Naudo- 
weflie nation,  when  united,  confilts  of  more  than  two thoufajid- 
warriors.  'I'hc  Alfmipoils,  wlvo  revolted  from* them,  amount 
» to  about  three  hundred,'  and  leagued  with  the  Killiilinoes,  live 
«^^Jn  a  continual  Ihite  of  enmity  with  the  other  eleven  bands. 

As    I  iJtoceedcd  up  the  River  St.   Pierre,   and  had  nearly 

ppached  the  place  where  thefe  people  w»j;e  encamped,  I  obferv- 

rp  or  thrcQcaiiocs  coming  down  the  Iheam;  but  no  fooner 

had 


n 

m 


[    46    ]  . 

bad  the  Indians  that  were  on  board  them  difcovered  us,  fhaij 
they  rowed  t6\vard  the  land,  and  leaping  alhore  with  precipita- 
tion, left  their  canoes  to  Hoat  as  the  current  drove  them.  In 
a  few  minutes  I  perceived  ibme  others;  who,  as  foorf  as  they 
came  in  light,  tbllowed,  with  equal  Ipecd,  the  examj^le  of  their 
«puntrymen. 

I  now  thought  it  necefTary  to  proceed  with*  caution ;  and  there- 
fore kept  on  .the  nde  of  the  river  oppofite  to  that  on  which  the 
Indians  had  landed.  However,  I  Hill  continued  my  courfe,  fa- 
tiftiicd  that  the  pipe  of  peace,  which  was  rixed  at  the  head  of 
my  canoe,  and  the  EnglilTx  colours  that  were  flying  at  the  ftern, 
would  prove  my  fecurity.  After  rowing  about  half  a  mile  far- 
ther, in  tUHiing  a  point,  I  difcovered  a  great  number  of  tents, 
and  mdre  than  a  thoufand  Indians,  at  a  little  diltance  from  the 
ihorc.  Being  now  nearly  oppofite  to  them,  1  ordered  my  inen 
to  pull  direftly  over,  as  1  was  willing  to  convince  the  Indians 
by  fuch  a  ll:ep,  that  I  placed  ibme  conficience  in  them. 

As  foon  as  I  had  reached  the  land,  two  of  the  chiefs  prefent- 
cd  their  hands  to  me,  and  led  me,  amidl^  the  aftoniilied  multi- 
tude, who  had  moll  of  them  never  feen  a  white  man  before,  to 
a  ten|.  Into  this  we  entered,  and  according  to  the  cuftom  that 
oniverfally  prevails  among  every  Indian  nation,  began  to  fmoke 
the  ptee  of  peace.  We  had  not  fat  long  before  the  crowd  be- 
came To  great,  both  around,  and  upon  the  tent,  that  we  were 
in  dai^er  of  being  cruflied  by  its  fall.  On  this  we  returned  to 
tlic  plain,  where,  having  gratified  the  curiofity  of  the  common 
people,  their  wonder  abated,  and  ever  alter  they  treated  rae* 
with  great  relpeft. 

From  t,he  chiefs  I  met  with  the  mofl;  friendly  and  hofpitable 
leception;  which  induced  me,  as  the  feafonwas  fo  far  advanced, 
fo  take  up  my  refidence  among  them  during  the  winter.  To 
vender  my  ftay  as  comfortable  as  pollible,  I  lirft  endeavoured  to 
learn  their  language.  This  I  foon  did,  fo  as  to  make  myfelf 
pcrtet^ly  intelligible,  having  before  acquired  fome  flight  know- 
ledge of  the  language  of  thofe  Indians  that  live  on  the  back  of 
the  fettlements;  and  in  confequence  met  with  every  accommo- 
dation  their  manner  of  living  would  afFord.  Nor  did  I  want 
lor  fuch  amufemcnts  as  tended  to  make  fo  long  a  period  pafs 
tJieerfulIy  away.  I  frequently  hunted  with  them;  and  at  other 
times  beheld  with  pkafurc  their  recreations  and paftimes,  which 
I  Ihall  defcribe  hereafter. 

Sometimes  I  fat  with  the  chiefs,  and  whilfl  we  fmoked  the 
friendly  pipe,  entertained  them,  in  return  for  the  accounts  they 
gave  me  of  their  wars  and  excurfions,  with  a  narrative  of  my 
own  adventures,  and  a  defcription  of  all  the  battles  fought  be- 
tween tiie  Engliih  and  the  French  in  America,  in  many  of  which 
I  had,  a  perfonal  fhare.  They  always  paid  great  attention  t0> 
my  details,  and  asked  mai^  pertinent  queflions  relair^e  to  t 
European  methods  of  making  war. 

I  held  thefe  converfations  witli  them  in  a  great  jneafurg,  t 


h 


'  accommo- 


t    47    1 

'ftocma  from  them  fome  information  relative  to  the  chief  point 
J4i:id  conrtantly  in  view,  that  of  gaining  a  knowledge  of  the 
fituatioifand  produce,  both  of  their  own  cotmtry,  and  thofethat 
lay  to  the  welhvardof  them.  Nor  was  I  difappointed  in  myde- 
figns;  fof  I  procured  from  them  much  ufeful  intelligence.  They 
llkewife  dicw  for  m'c  plans  of  all  the  countries  with  which  they 
were  acquainted;  hut  as  I  entertained  no  great  Opinion  of  their 
geographical  knowledge,  I  placed  not  much  dependence  on  them, 
and  therefore  think  it  unn€ce(iary  to  give  them  to  the  public. 
They  draw  with  a  piece  of  burnt  coal,  taken  froih  the  hearth, 
upon  the  infidc  bark  of  the  birch  tree;  whicK  is  as  fmooth  as 
paper,  and  anfwcrs  the  fame  purpofes,  notwithftanding  it  is  of 
a  yellow  caft.  Their  sketches  are  made  in  a  rude  manner,  but 
they  feem  to  give  us  as  juft  an  idea  of  a  country,  although  the 
plan  is  not  fo  exaft,  as  more  experienced  draughtfraen  could  do. 

I  left  the  habitations  of  thefe  hofpitable  Indians  the  latter  end 
of  April  1767;  but  did  not  part  from  them  for  feveral  days,  a? 
I  was  accompanied  on  my  journey  by  near  three  hundred  of 
ihem,  among  whom  were  many  chiefs,  to  the  mouth  of  the  Ri- 
ver St.  Pierre.  At  this  feafon,  thefe  bands  anniiafllygo  to^the 
Great  Cave,  before  mentioned,  to  hold  a  grand  council  wifijjfeail 
the  other  bands;  wherein  they  fettle  their  operations  for  'titfe 
tnfuing  year.  At  the  fame  time  they  carry  with  thei^their  dead 
for  interment,  bound  up  in  buffaloes  skins.  Befides  thofe  that 
accompanied  me,  others  were  gone  before,  and  the  reft  were 
to  follow. 

Never  did  I  travel  with  fo  cheerful  and  h8f)py  a  company. 
But  their  mirth  met  with  a  fudden  and  temporary  allay  from  a 
violent  llorm  that  overtook  fas  one  day  on  our  palTage,  We 
had  juft  landed,  and  were  preparing  to  fet  up  our  tents  for  the 
night,  when  a  heavy  cloud  overfpread  the  heavens,  andthemoft 
dreadful  thunder,  lightning,  and  rain  ifliied  from  it,  that  ever 
1  beheld. 

The  Indians  were  greatly  terrified,  and  ran  to  fuch  ihelter 
as  they  could  find;  for  only  a  few  tents  were  as  yet  erected. 
Apprcheniive  of  the  danger  that  might  enfue  from  (landing near 
any  thing  which  could  ferve  for  a  condudor,  as  the  cloud  ap- 
peared to  contain  fuch  an  uncommon  quantity  of  eleftrical  fluid,  t 
took  my  ftand  as  far  as  poflible  from  any  covering ;  chufmg  rather 
to  be  expofcd  to  the  peltingsof  theftorm,  than  to  receive  a  fatal 
ftroke.  At  this  the  Indians  were  greitly  furprized,  and  drew 
conclufions  from  it  not  unfavouralile  to  the  opinion  they  alrea- 
dy entertained  of  my  refolutjon.  \  et  I  acknowledge  that  I  was 
never  more  affefted  ip  jny  life;  for  nothing  fcarcely  could  ex- 
ceed the  terrific  fccne.  .  '(fid  peals  of  thunder  were  fo  loud  that 
they  fliook  the  earth;  ancl  thj  lightning  flalhed  along  the  ground 
in  ftreams  €kf  fulphur ;  fo  that  the  Indian  chiefs  themfelves,  al- 
though their  courage  in  war  is  ufually  invincible,  could  not  help 
trembling  at  the  horrid  combuftion.  As  fqon  as  the  ftorm  was 
they  fioclicd  around  me,  and  inforaied  me,  that  it  was  a 

proof 


'.» 


t^^ 


r  48  1  \     ^ 

proof  of  the  anger  rtf  the  evil  fpirits,  whom  they  wetc  appttt- 
lienfivc  that  they  had  hlf^hly  otFendcd. 

When  wc  arrived  at  the  Great  Cave,  and  the  Indians  had  de- 
|K>fited  the  remains  of  their  dcceal'ed  friends  in  the  burial-place 
that  ftands  adjacent  to  it,  they  ht-'ld  their  j-reat  council,  into 
tvhich  I  was  admitted,  and  at  the  fame  time  had  the  honour  to 
be  inllalled  or  adopted  a  chief  of  their  hands.  On  this  occa- 
fion  1  made  the  following  I'pecch,  which  I  inlert  to  give  my 
readers  a  fpecimcn  of  the  langiiago%and  manner  in  which  it  is 
necelFary  to  dddrefs  the  Indians,  fo  as  toen^a^e  their  attention, 
and  to  render  the  fpeaker's  cxpreflions  conlonant  to  Xheir  ideas. 
it  was  delivered  on  the  tirll  day  of  May  1 767. 

"  My  brothers,  chiefs  of  the  numerous  and  powerful  Nau- 
*•  doweflles!  I  rejoice  that  through  my  long  abode  with  you,  I 
•*  can  now  fpeak  to  you  (though  after  an  Imperfeft  manner)  in 
**  your  own  tongue,  like  one  of  your  own  children.     I  rejoice 
•'  alfo  that  1  have  had  an  opportunity  fo  frequently. to  inform 
**  you  of  the  glory  and  power  of  the  Great   King  that  reigns 
*•*  over  the  E.iglilTi  and  other  nations;  who  is  dcfcendcd  from 
**  a  very  ancient  race  of  I'overcigns,  as  old  as  the  earth  andwa- 
**  ters;  whofe  feet  Hand  on  two  great  illands,  larger  than  any 
"  you  have  ever  feen,  amidll  the  greatelt  waters  in  the  world; 
"  whofe -ilead  reaches  to  the  fun,  and  whofe  arms  encircle  the 
**  whole  earth.     The  number  of  whofe  warriors  are  equal  to  the 
"  trees  in  the  vallies,  the  Ilalks  of  rice  in  yonder  marlTies,  or 
**  the  blades  of  grafs  on  your  great  plains.     Who  has  hundreds 
"  of  canoes  of  Ws  own,  offnch  amazing  bignefs,  that  all  the  wa- 
**  tcrs  in  your  country  would  not  futlice  for  one  of  than  to 
**  fwim  in  ;  each  of  which  have  guns,  not  fmall  like  mine,  which 
"  you  fee  before  you,  but  of  fuch  magnitude,  that  an  hundred 
•^'  of  your  ftoutell  young  men  would  with   dilliculty  be  able  to 
*'  carry  one.     And  thefe  are  equally  furprizing  in  their  opera- 
•'  tion  againft  the  great  Kings  enemies  when  engaged  in  battle; 
*'  the  terror  they  carry  with  them  your  language  wants  words 
**  to  exprefs.     You  may  remember  the  other  day  when  wc  were 
■  "  encamping,  at  Wadawpawmenefotcr,  the  black   clouds,  the 
*'  wind,  the  tire,  the  ftupendous   noife,  the   horrible  cracks, . 
"  and  the  trembling  of  the  earth,  which  then  alarmed  you,  an^ 
"  gave  you  reafon  to  thinigyour  gods  were  angry  with  you,'  .nocj^ 
unlike  thefe  are  the  warlike  implements  of  the  KngliiW  when 
they  are  righting  thetbattles  of  their  great  King.       ^. 
**  Several  of  the  chiefs  of  your  bands  have  often  told  me,  in 
times  pad,  when  I  dwelt  with  you  in  your  tents,  that  they 
much  wilhed  to  be  counted  among  the  chi^4t<^  an  i  allies  of 
the  great  King  my  mafter.     You  ujaiy  remem^Jjmv  often  you 
have  defired  me,  when  1  return  again  to 
acquaint  the  great  King  of  yourgf>oddifpolitk 
and  his  fubjeds,  and  that  you  'wifted  for 
Knglilli  to  come  among  you. 
•'  i^eing  nc/vv  about  ;©  uKe  in/  io^e  of  yon,  and  to  return 

"■^^  -^*.«;-<,v  'r  '  **   !flf 


cc 

<c 
tl 


iountr^,*  to 
^towards  him 
lers  from  the 


md  to  retuyn 


C    49    ]  ..       ^ 

«  to  my  own  country,   a  long  way  towards  the   rifing  fun,  I 
»'  again  ask  you  to  tell  inc  wlicthur  you  continue  of  the  fatafli^ 
**  mind  as  When  I  (poke  to  you  in  council  laft  winter;  andas 
*'  there  are  now  fevcral  of  your  chiefs  here,   who  came  frotR' 
*'  the  great  plains  towards  the  fetting  of  the  fun,  whom  Ihuve 
**  never  fpoke  with  in  council  before,  1  ask  you  to  let  me  know 
*'  if  you  are  all  willing  to  acknowledge  yourfelves  the  children*" 
«'  of  iny  great  mailer  the  King  of  the  Eugiilh  ajid  other  nati- 
*'  ons,  as  I  fhall  take  the  firft  opportunity  to  acquaiixt  him  of 
*'  your  defires  and  good  intentions. 

"  I  charge  you  not  to  give  heed  to  bad. reports;  for  there 
*'  are  wicked  birds  flying  about  among  the  neighbouring  nati- 
*'  ons,  who  may  whifper  evil  things  in  your  ears  againft  the 
*'  Englifli>  contrary  to  what  J  have  told  you;  you  mull:  not  be- 
**  lieve  th^m,  for  I  have  told  you  the  truth. 

"  And  as  for  the  chiefs  that  are  about  to  go  to  Michillimack- 
"  inac,  1  fliall  take  care  to  make  for  them  and  their  fuite,  a 
*'  ilraight  road,  fmooth  waters,  and  a  clear  sky ;  that  they  may 
*'  go  there,  and  fmoke  the  pipe  of  Peace,  and  reil:  fecure  on  a 
"  beaver  blanket  under  the  lliadc  of  the  great  tree  of  Peace. 
*M''arewell!"  * 

To  this  fpeech  I  received  the  following  anfwcr,  from  the 
mouth  of  the  principal  chief: 

"  Good  brother !  1  am  now  about  to  fpeak  to  you  with  the 
"  mouths  of  thefe  my  bi  others,  ciiiefs  of  the  eight  bands  of 
"  the  powerful  nation  of  the  Naudoweflies.  We  believe  and . 
"  are  well  fatisried  in  the  truth  of  every  thing  you  have  told 
"  us  about  your  great  nation,  and  the  Great  King  our  greateft 
*'  father;  ior  whom  we  fpread  this  beaver  blanket,  that  his 
•'  fatheily  protection  may  ever  relleafy  and  fafe  amongll  us  his 
*'  children:  your  colours  and  your  arms  agree  with  the  accounts 
"  you  have  given  us  about  your  great  nation.  We  delire  that 
"  when  you  return,  you  Will  acquaint  the  Great  King  how 
"  much  the  Naudoweilics  wilh  to  be  counted  among  his  good 
**  children. 

**  You  may  believe  us  when  we  tell  you  that  we  will  not  open 
*'  our  ears  to  any  who  may  dare  to  ipeak  evil  of  ouj:  Great  Fa- 
"  ther  the  King  of  the  Englilh  and  other  .nations.  ^'%4 
"  We  thank  you  for  what  you  have  done  for  us  in  inaking 
peace  between  the  Naudowellies  and  the  Chiptiways,  and  hope 
when  you  raurn  to  us  again,  that  you  will  complete  this 
good  work;  and  quite  difpelling  the  clouds  that  intervene^ 
open  the  blue  sky  of  peace,  and  caufe  the  bloody  hatchet  tp 
be  deep  buried  under  the  roots  of  the  great  tree  of  peace,  • 
"  We  wiili  you  to  remember  to  reprefent  to  our  Great  Fa* 
tlxer,  how  much  we  delire  that  traders  may  be  fent  to  abide 
ambng  us,  with  fuch  things  as  we  need,  that  the  hearts  of 
our  young  men,  our  wives,  and  children  may  be  made  glad. 
And  may  peace  fubfill  between  us,  fo  long  as  the  fun.  ^^ 

G  *'  jJioOn> 


ii 


■f 


w 


#     '**  moon,    the  eaitli,    and    the  waters  Ihall  ^endure.      Farc- 
■«*  Weill" 

^^^(1  thoiif^fit  it  ncccfTary  to  caution  the  In4ians  againrt  giving 
fed  to  any  bad  reports  that  may  reach  them  from  the  neigh- 
Jouring  nations  to  tlic  difadvantage  of  the  KngUlli,  as  I  had 
heard,  at  different  places  tj-iroiigh  which  I  palled,  that  emif- 
farics  were  Hill  employed  by  the  French  to  detach  thofe  who 
were  friendly  to  the  En:;h"l7i  from  their  intcrcfl:.  ■  And  1  faw, 
inyfelf,  feveral  belts  of  AVainpinn  that  had  been  delivered  for 
this  piirpofe  to  fome  of  the  tribes  1  was  among.  On  the  de- 
livery of  each  of  thefe  a  Talk. was  held,  wherein  the  Indians 
were  told  that  the  Eiglilli,  who  were  but  a  petty  people,  had 
llolen  that  country  from  their  Great  Father  the  king  of  France 
whill!;  he  was  alleep  ;  but  that  he  would  foon  awake,  and  take 
them  again  under  his  proteftion.  Thefe  1  found  were  fent 
from  Canada  by  perfons  who  appeared  to  be  well  afFedled  to- 
wards the  government  under  which  they  lived. 

Whilll  1  tarried  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  St.  Pierre  with 
thefe  friendly  Indians,  I  endeavoured  to  gain  intelligence  whe- 
ther any  goods  had  been  fent  towards  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony 
for  my  ufe,  agreeable  to  the  promife  I  had  received  from  the 
governor  \v\.{in  I  left  JVlichillimackinac.  But  tinding  from  fome 
Indians,  who  palfcd  by  in  their  return  from  thofe  parts,  that 
this  agreement  had  not  been  fullilled,  I  was  obliged  to  give  up 
all  tlioughts  of  proceeding  farther  to  the  north-well  by  this  route, 
according  to  my  original  plan.  I  therefore  returned  to  La  Prai- 
rie le  Chien,  where  J  procured  as' many  goods  from  the  traders 
I  left  there  the  precceding  year  as  they  could  fpare. 

As  thefe  however  were  not  fufKcient  to  enable  me  to  renew  my 
firll  dcfign,  1  determined  to  endeavour  to  makemy  wayacrofsthe 
country  of  the  Chipeways  to  Lake  Superior;  in  hopes  of  meeting 
attheGrand'Portage  on  the  north  Mc  of  it,  the  traders  that  annu- 
ally go  from  Michillimackinac  to  the  north-well ;  of  whom  1  doubt- 
ed not  but  that  I  lliould  be  able  to  procure  goods  enough  to  an- 
fwer  my  purpofe,  and  alfo  to  penetrate  through  thofe  more 
jiorthern  parts  to  the  Straights  of  Annian. 

And  I  the  mure  readily  returned  to  La  Prairie  le  Chien,  as  I 
could  by  that  means  the  better  fuUil  the  engagement  I  had  made 
to  the  party  of  Naudoweflies  mentioned  at  the  conclufion  of  my 
fpeech.     • 

During  my  abode  with  this  people,  wilTiing  to  feciire  them 
entirely  in  the  intcrefl:  of  the  Englifli,  I  had  adviled  fpmc  of 
the  chiefs  to  go  to  Michillimackinac,  where  they  would  have 
an  opportunity  of  trading,  and  of  hearing  the  accounts  that  I 
had  entertained  them  with  of"  my  countrymen,  confirmed.  At 
the  fame  time  I  had  furnilLed  them  with  a  recommendation  to 
the  governor,  and  given  them  every  diiedlloji  neceifary  i6t  their 
voyage. 

chiefs,    anil  I 
cnfuing  fura-j 


In  confcquence  of  this,  one   of  the   principal 
twenty-live  of  aii  inferior  rank,  ugrccd  to  go  the 


i: 


*  9 


with  c 
mouth 


This  they  took  an  opportunity  of  doinp;,  when  they  came 


'     re(l  of  their  hand  to 
of  the  River  St.  Pierre. 


attend  the  f;r:ind 
BcinK  ohiified, 


council  at  tho" 
on  account  of 

the  difappointment  I  had  jurt  heen  inibrmcd  of,  to  return  fo  far 
down  tlie  Miflifllppi,  I  could  from  thence  the  more  ealily  fet 
llicm  on  their  journey. 

As  the  intermediate  f)art»  of  this  river  are  much  frequented 

by  the  Chipeways,  with  whom  tlie  Naudoweflies  are  continually 
at  war,  they  thought  it  more  prudent,  being  hut  a  Imall  party, 
to  take  the  advantage  of  the  night,  than  to  travel  with  me  by 
day;  accordingly  no  fooner  was  the  grand  council  broke  up, 
than  I  took  a  friendly  leave  of  thefe  people,  from  whom  1  had 
received  innumerable  civilities,  and  purfued  once  more  .my 
voyage. 

I  reached  the  caftern  fide  of  Lake  Pepin  the  fame  night; 
where  I  went  alTiore  and  encamped  as  ufual.  The  next  morn- 
ing, when  I  had  proceeded  fome  miles  farther,  1  perceived  at 
a  dii^ance  before  me  a  fmoke,  which  denoted  that  fome  Indians 
were  near;  and  in  a  lliort  time  difcovered  ten  or  twelve  tents 
rot  far  from  the  bank  of  the  river.  As  I  was  apprehenfivethat 
this  was  a  party  of  the  Rovers  I  had  before  met  with,  I  knew 
not  what  courfe  to  purfue.  My  attendants  perfuadcd  me  to  en- 
deavour to  pafs  by  them  on  the  oppofite  fide  of  the  river;  but 
as  I  had  hitherto  found  that  the  befl:  way  to  enfur^  a  friendly  re- 
ception from  the  Indians,  is  to  meet  them  boldly,  and  without 
iliewing  any  tokens  of  fear,  1  would  by  no  means  content  to 
their  propofal.  Inftead  of  this  I  crolfed  diredly  over,  and 
landed  in  the  midll  of  them,  for  by  this  time  the  greatcft  part 
of  them  were  (landing  on  the  iTiore. 

The  lirrt  I  accolled  were  Chipeways  inhabiting  near  the  Ot- 
towaw  Lakes;  who  received  me  with  great  cordiality,  and  iTiook 
me  by  the  hand  in  token  of  friendlliip.  At  fome  little  dillance 
behind  thefe  Hood  a  chief  remarkably  tall-  and  well  made,  but 
of  fo  ftern  an  afpeft,  that  the  moH  undaunted  perfon  could  not 
behold  him  without  feeling  fome  degree  of  terror.  He  teemed 
to  have  paffcd  the  meridian  of  life,  and  by  the  mode  in  which 
he  was  painted  and  tatowed,  I  difcovered  that  he  was  of  high 

Kiank.  However,  I  approfiched  him  in  a  courteous  nwnner, 
and  expected  to  have  met  with  the  fame  reception  I  had  done 
from  the  others:  but  to  my  great  furprize,  he  with-held  his 
hand,  and  looking  fiercely  at  me,  faid  in  the  Chipdway  tongue, 
^  Cawin  nifhifliin  faganolTi,"  that  is,  *'  The  Englilh  are  no 
•"  good."  As  he  had  his  tomahawk  in  his  hand,  1  expefted  that 
this  laconick  fentence  would  have  been  tollowed  by  a  blow;  to 
prevent  which,  I  drew  a  pillol  from  my  belt,  and,  holding  [tin 
a  carelefs  pofition,  pafled  clofe  by  him,  to  let  him  fee  1  was 
not  afraid  of  him. 
I  learned  foon  after  from  the  other  Indians,  that  this  wa^a 

|;!rf}ief,  called  by  the  French  the  .Grand  Sautor    or  the  Great  Chi- 
"  ray  Gliief,  for  they  denominate  the  Chipeways  Sautors.  They 

liKtwife 


^1 


^  7i 


:f^ 


..#^ 


Hkewife  told  me  that  he  had  been  always  a  Heady  friend  to  that 
people,  and  when  they  delivered  up  Michillimackinac  to  the 
Englifh  on  their  evacuation  of  Canada,  the  Grand  Sautor  had 
r-jfworn  that  he  would  ever  remain  the  avowed  enemy  of  its  new 
^jofleflbrs,  as  the.  territories  on  which  the  fort  is  built  belong- 
ed to  him. 

Finding  him  thus  difpofpd,  I  took  care  to  be  conftantly  upon 
my  guard  wliiltl  I  (laid  j  but  that  hemightnotfuppoljel  was  dri- 
ven away  by  his  frowns,  I  took  up  my  abode  there  for  the  night., 
I  pitched  my  tciii  at  fomc  dilhince  from  the  Indians,  and  had 
no  fooner  laid  myfelf  down  to  reft,  than  I  was  awakened  by  my 
French  lervant.  Having  been  alarmed  by  the  found  of  ^Indian 
mufic,  he  had  run  to  the  outfide  of  the  tent,  where  he  beheld  a 
party  of  the  young  lavages  dancing  towards  us  in  an  extraordi- 
nary manner,  each  carrying  in  his  hand  a  torch  fixed  on  the  top 
of  a  long  pole.  But  J  iTiall  deler  iCnf  further  account  of  this  un- 
common entertainment,  which  at  once  furprized  and  alarmed 
me  till  I  treat  of  the  Indian  dances. 

The  next  morning  I  continued  my  voyage,  and  before  night 
reached  La  Prarie  le  Chien;  at  which  place  the  party  of  Nau- 
doweflies  foon  overtook  me.  I^ot  long  after  the  Grand  Sautor 
alfo  arrived,  and  before  the  Naudoweilics  left  that  place  to  con- 
tinue their  journey  to  JMichillimackinac,  he  found  means,  in 
•conjunftion  with  fome  French  traders  from  Louiliana,  to  draw 
from  me  about  ten  of  the  Naudoweflie  chiefs,  whom  he  pre- 
vailed upon  to  go  towards  thofe  parts. 

The  remainder  proceeded,  according  to  iffy  direftions,  to  the 
Engliih  fort;  from  whence  1  afterwards  heard  that  they  return- 
ed to  their  own  country  without  any  unfortunate  accident  be- 
falling them,  and  greatly  pleated  with  the  reception  they  had 
met  with.  Whilll  not  more  than  half  of  thofe  who  went  to  the 
fouthward,  through  the  difference  of  that  fouthern  climate 
from  their  own,  lived  to  reach  their  abode.  And  fince  1  came 
to  England  I  have  been  informed,  that  the  Grand  Sautor  having 
rendered  himfelf  more  and  more  difgultful  to  the  Englilli,  by 
his  inveterate  enmity  towards  them,  was  at  length  Ilabbed  in 
his  tent,  as  he  encamped  near  Michillimackinac,  by  a  trader  to 
whom  I  had  related  the  foregoing  ftory. 

1  ihould  have  remarked,  that  whatever  Indians  happen  to 
meet  at  La  Prairie  le  Chien  the  great  mart  to  which  all  who 
inhabit  the  adjacent  countries  refbrt,  though  the  nations  r,o 
which  they  belong  are  at  war  with  each  other,  yet  they  are 
^obliged  to  reftrain  their  enmity,  and  to  forbear  ail  hollile  afts 
during  their  Hay  there.  This  regulation  has  been  long  efta- 
blillied  among  them  for  their  mutual  convenience,  as  without  it 
no  trade  couM  be  carried  on.  The  lame  rule  is  obferved  alio 
atthj  Red  Mountain  (afterwards  defcribed)  from  whence  they 
get  the  itone  of  which  they  make  their  pipes :  thefe  being  in- 
flifpenfable  to  the  accommodation  of  every  neighbouring  tribe, 
a  fimilar  relhidion  becomes  needful,  and  is  of  public  utility. 


M 


r  53  ]* 

The  River  St.  Pierre,  which  runs  through  the  territories  of 
the  Naudowellies,  flows  through  a  .  moft  ,  delightful  country, 
abounding  with  all  the  neceflfaries  of  life,  that  grow  fpontane- 
oufly ;  and  with  a  little  cultivation  it  might  be  made  to  produce  <^  ~ 
even  the  luxuries  of  life.  Wild  rice  grows  hei^em  great  abun- 
dance; and  every  part  is  filled  with  trees  bending  .mider  their 
loads  of  fruits,  fiich  as  plums,  grapes,  and  apptiiip  the  mea- 
dows are  covered  with  hops,  and  many  forts  of  vegetables; 
whilrt  the  ground  is  llored  with  ufcful  roots,  with  angelica, 
fpikenard,  and  ground-nuts  as  large  as  hens  eggs.  At  a  little 
diftance  from  the  fides  of  the  river  are  eminences,  from  which 
you  have  views  that  cannot  be  exceeded  even  by  the  moft  beau- 
tiful of  thofe  I  have  already  defcrlbed,-  amidlt  thcle  are  delight- 
ful groves,  and  fuch  amazing  quantities  of  maples,  that  thejp 
would  produce  fugar  fufficient  for  any  number  of  inhabitants. 

A  little  way  from  the  mouth  of  this  river,  oh  the  north  fide 
of  it,  Hands  a  hill,  one  part  of  which,  that  towards  the  MiflS- 
flippi,  is  compofed  entirely  of  white  ftonc,  of  the  fame  foft  na- 
ture as  that  1  have  before  defcribcd ;  for  fuch,  indeed,  is  all 
the  ftonc  in  this  country.  But  what  appears  remarkable  is,  that 
the  colour  of  it  is  as  white  as  the  driven  fnow.  The  outward 
part  of  it  was  crumbled  by  tne  wind  and  weather  into  heaps  of 
land,  of  which  a  beautiful  compofition  might  be  made ;  or,  I 
am  of  opinion  that,  when  properly  treated,  the  Hone  itfelf 
would  grow  harder  by  time,  and  have  a  very  noble  effeft  in 
architecture. 

Near  that  branch  which  Is  termed  the  Marble  River,  is  a 
mountain,  from  whence  the  Indians  get  a  fort  of  red  ftone,  out 
of  which  they  hew  the  bowls  of  their  pipes.  In  fome  of  thefe 
parts  is  found  a  black  hard  clay,  or  rather  ftone,  of  which  the 
Naudowellies  make  their  family  utenfils.  This  country  likewife 
abounds  with  a  milk-white  clay,  of  which  China  ware  might  be 
made  equal  in  goodnefs  to  the  Afiatlc;  and  alio  with  ^  ht^ 
clay  thatferves  thelndians  for  paint,  with  this  laftthey  contrive, 
by  mixing  it  with  the  red  ftone  powdered,  to  paint  themfelves  oi.  ^ 
different  colours.  Thofe  that  can  get  the  blue  clay  here  mentioned, 
paint  thcmfelv.es  very  much  with  it,-  particularly  when  they  ^e 
about  to  begin  their  fports  and  paftimes.  It  is  alfoe'fteemedby 
them  a  mark  of  peace,  as  it  has  a  relemblanceof  a  blue  sky,  which 
with  them  is  a  fymbol  of  it,  and  made  ufe  of  in  their  fpeeches 
as  a  figurative  expreflion  to  denote  peace.  When  they  wiih  to 
fhew  that  their  inclinations  are  pacific  towards  other  ttibes, 
they  greatly  ornament  both  themfelves  and  their  belts  with  it 

Having  concluded  my  bufinefs  at  La  Prairie  le  Chien,  I  pro-- 
ceeded  once  more  up  the  Mifliflippi,  as  far  as  the  place  where 
the  ChipjJway  River  enters  it  a  little  below  Lake  Pepin.  Here, 
having  engaged  an  Indian  pilot,  I  directed  him  to  fteer  towards 
the  Ottawaw  Lakes,  which  lie  near  the  head  of  this  river.  This 
he  did,  and  I  arrived  at  them  the  beginning  of  July. 

The  Chipeway  River,  at  its  junftion  with  the  Mifllffippi,  is 
about  eighty  yards  wide,  buds  much  wider  as  you  advance  In- 
to 


% 


. .  [  «  ] 

to  it.    Near  thirty  miles  up  it  feparates  into  two  branches,  and 
I  took  n^.courfe  through  that  which  lies  to  the  eaftwar3. 

The  cpuntry  adjoining  to  the  river,  for  about  fixty  miles,  Is 
very  level,  and  on  its  banks  lie  fine  meadows,  wherei,  larger 
apoVjBs'e€- buffaloes  and  elks  were  feeding,  than  I  had  obferved  . 
In  any  0^er  part  of  my,  travels.  The  track  between  the  two 
branches  of  this  river  is  termed  the  Road  of  War  between  the 
Chipqjvajp  atid  Naudowelfie  Indians; '        ^,^^/ 

The  C(^try  to  the  Falls  is  almoft  without  any  timber,  Indf 
above  th^'^lffiry  Uneven  and  rugged,  and  clofely  wooded  with 
pities,  bea^h7«iiaple  and  birch.  Here  a  moll:  remarkable  and 
aftonifting  fight  jlrefented  itfclf  to^ my  view.  In  a  wood,  on 
^e  eaft  of  the  river,  which  was  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile 
in  length,  atttl  in  depth  farther  than  my  eye  could  reach,  I  ob- 
ferved that  every  tree,  many  of  which  w^re  more  than  llx  feet 
in  circumference,  was  lying  flat  on  the  ground,  torn  up  by  the 
roots.  This  appeared  to  have  been  done  by  fame  extraordi- 
nary hurricane,  that  came  from  the  weft  fonie  years  ago ;  but 
how  many  1  could  n,ot  Icarh,,  as  I  found  no  inhabitants  near  it, 
of  whom  I  could  gain  information.  The  country  on  the  wefl 
fide  of  the  river,  from  being  lefs  woody,  had  efcapedin  a  great 
meafure  this  havock,  as  only  a  few  trees  were  blown  down. 

Near  the  heads  of  this  river  is  a  town  of  the  Chipeways, 
from  whence  it  takes  its  name.  It  is  fituated  on  each  fide  of 
the  river  (which  at  this  place  is  of  no  confiderable  breadth) 
and  lies  adjacent  to  the  banks  of  a  fmall  lake.  This  town  con* 
tains  about  forty  houfes,  and  can  fend  out  upwards  of  one 
hundred  warriors,  many  of  whom  were  iine  ftout  yoUng  men. 
Tlie  Koufes  of  it  are  built  after  the  Indian  manner,  and  hJive 
neat  plantations^  behind  them,*  but  the  inhabitants,  in  general, 
fe'jmed  to  be  the  nafticft  people  I  had  ever  been  among.  I  ob- 
ferved that  the  women  and  children  ind".lged  thcmfelves  in  a 
cuftom,  which  though  common,  in  fome  degree,  throughout 
evei'y  Indian  nation,  appears  to  be,  according  to  our  ideas,  of 
the  moft  naufcous  and  indelicate  nature;  that  of  fearching  each 
ether's  head,  and  eating  the  prey  caught  therein. 

In  July  l.left  this'  town,  and  having  crolfeda  number  of  fmall 
lakes  and  carrying  places  that  intervened,  came  to  a  head 
branch  of  the  River  St.  Croix.  This  branch  I  dcfccndcd  to  a 
fork,  and  then  afccndcd  another  to  its  fource.  On  both  thefe 
rivers  I  difcovcrcd  fcvcrai  mines  of  virgin  copper,  which  was 
as  pure  as  that  found  in  any  other  country. 

Here  I  came  to  a  fmall  brook,  which  my  guide  thought  might 
he  joined  at  feme  dirtance  by  ftrcams  that  would  at  length  ren- 
der it  navigable.  The  water  at  tirlt  was  fo  fcanty,  that  my  ca- 
noe would  by  no  means  fwim  in  it;  but  having  flopped  up  fe- 
veral  old  beaver  dams,  which  had  been  broken  down  by  the 
hunters,  I  waij  enabled  to  proceed  for  fome  miles,  till  by  the 
conjunction  of  a  few  brooks,  thefc  aids  became  no  longer 
uccellary.     In  a  Ihort  time  the  water  increafed  to  a  molt  ra- 


I    55    ] 

pid  river,  which  we  defcended  till  it  entered  into  Lake  Supe- 
rior. This  river  I  named  after  a  gentleman  that  defired  to  ac- 
company me  from  the  town  of  the  Ottagaumies  to  the  Carrying 
Place  on  Lake  Superior,  Goddard's  River. 

To  the  weft  of  this  is  another  fmall  river,  which  alfo  empties 
itfelf  into  the  Lake.  This  I  termed  Strawberry  River,  froni 
the  great  number  of  ftrawberries  of  a  good  lize  and  flavour  that 
grew  on  its  banks. 

The  country  from  the  Ottawaw  Lakes  to  Lake  Superior  is 
in  general  very  uneven  and  thickly  covered  with  woods.  The 
foil  in  fome  places  is  tolerably  good,  in  others  but  indifferent, 
fn  the  heads  of  the  St.  Croix  and  the  Chipeways  Rivers  are  cx^ 
ceeding  iine  fturgeon.  All  the  wildernefs  between  the  Miffiflip- 
pi  and  Lake  Superior  is  called  by  the  Indians  the  JMofchettoe 
country,  and  I  thought  it  nioft  juftly  named;  for,  it  being  thea 
their  feafon,  I  never  faw  or  felt  fo  many  of  thofe  infefts  in  my 
life. 

The  latter  end  of  July  I  arrived,  after  having  coafted  through 
Weft  Bay,  at  the  Grand  Portage,  which  lies  on  the  north- 
weft  borders  of  Lake  Superior.  Here  thofe  who  go  on  the 
north-weft  trade,  to  the  Lakes  De  Pluye,  Dubois,  &g.  carry 
over  their  canoes  and  baggage  about  nine  miles,  till  they  come 
to  a  number  of  fmall  lakes,  the  waters  of  fome  of  which  def- 
cend  into  Lake  Superior,  and  others  into  the  River  Bourbon. 
Lake  Superior  from  Weft  Bay  to  this  place  is  bounded  by  rocks, 
except  towards  the  fouth-wcft  part  of  the  Bay  where  I  firft  en- 
tered it,  there  it  was  tolerably  level. 

At  the  Grand  Portage  is  a  fmall  bay,  before  the  entrance  pf 
which  lies  an  ifland  that  intercepts  the  dreary  and  uninterrupted 
view' over  the  Lake  which  otherwife  would  have  prefented  it- 
felf, and  makes  the  bay  ferene  and  pleafant.  Here  I  met  a 
large  party  of  the  Killiftinoe  and  Aflinipoil  Indians,  with  their 
refpedive  kings  and  their  families.  They  were  come  to  tftjis 
place  in  order  to  meet  the  traders  from  Michillimackinac,  who 
make  this  their  road  to  the  north-weft.  From  them  I  received 
the  following  account  of  the  Lakes  that  lie  to  the  north-weft  of 
Lake  Superior. 

Lake  Bourbon,  the  moft  northern  of  thofe  yet  difcovered, 
received  its  name  from  the  French  traders  who  accompanied  a 
party  of  Indians  to  Hudfon's  Bay  fome  years  ago  ;  and  was  thus 
denominated  by  them  in  honour  of  the  royal  family  of  France. 
It  is  compofed  of  the  waters  of  the  Bourbon  River,  which,  as 
I  have  before  obferved,  rifes  a  great  way  to  the  fouthward, 
not  far  from  the  northern  heads  of  the  Mifliffippi. 

This  lake  is  about  eighty  miles  in  length,  north  and  fouth, 
and  is  nearly  circular.  It  has  no  very  large  i Hands  on  it.  The? 
land  on  the  eafternl|de  is  very  good ;  and  to  the  fouth-weft  there 
are  fome  mountains;  in  many  other  parts  there  are  barren 
p|j*ins,  bogs  andmorafles.  Its  latitude  is  between  iifty-two  and 
11%-four  dcgree^norIh,  and  it  lies  nearly  fouth-weft  frotn  Hud- 

:^''  ^-^^  f0n*5 


[     56     ] 

fon's  Bay.  As  through  its  northern  fituation  the  weather  there 
"K^extremely  cold,  only  a  few  annnals-  are  to  be  found  in  the 
country  that  borders  on  it.  They  gave  me  but  an  indifferent 
account  either  of  the  beafts,  birds,  or  fillies.  There  are  indeed 
fome  buffaloes  of  a  fmall  fizc.  which  arc  fat  and  good  about  the 
lifter  end  of  fumnier,  with  a  few  moofe  and  carribboo  deer; 
however  this  deficiency  is  made  up  by  the  furs  of  every  fort 
that  are  to  be  met  with  in  great  plenty  around  the  lake.  The 
timl:fcr  growing  here  is  chiefly  fir,  cedar,  fpruce,  and  fome 
maple. 

Lake  Winnepeek,  or  as  the  French  write  it  Lac  Ouinipique, 
;^?:^vhich  lies  nearefl  to  the  foregoing,  is  compofcd  of  the  fame 
''^ ^waters.  It  is  in  length  about  two  hundred  miles  north  artd 
fouth;  its  breadth  has  never  been  properly  afcertained,  but  is 
fuppofed  to  be  about  one  hundred  miles  in  its  widefVpart.  This 
lake  is  very  full  of  iflands;  thefe  are,  however,  of  no  great 
ift^nitude.  Many  conflderable  rivers  empty  themfelves  into  it, 
which,  as  yet,  are  not  difiinguifhcd  by  anyn?nies.  The  waters 
are  floredwith  iilli,  fuch  as  trout  and  flurgeon,  and  alfo  with 
others  of  a  fmaller  kind    peculiar  to  thefe  lakes. 

The  land  on  the  fouth-weft  part  of  it  is  very  ^ood,  cfpecially 
v^  about  the  entrance  of  a  large  branch  of  the  River  Bourbon, 
which  f^ows  from  the  fouth-wert.  On  this  river  there  is  a  fac- 
tory that  was  built  by  the  French,  called  Fort  la  Reine,  to  which 
the  traders  from  Michilliniuckinac  rcfort  to  trade  with  the  Afli- 
jiipoils  and  Killiflinocs.  To  this  place  the  Mahahs,  who  inha- 
bit a  country  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  Ibuth-wefl,  come  alfo 
to  trade  with  them;  and  bring  great  quantities  of  Indian  corn, 
to  exchange  for  knives,  tomakawks,  and  other  articles.  Thofe 
people  are  fuppofed  to  dwell  on  fome  of  the  branches  of  the 
River  of  the  Wefl. 

take  Winnepeek  has  on  the  north-caft  fome  mountains,  and 
on  the  eafl  many  barren  plains.  The  maple  or  fugar  trcegrows 
here  in  great  plenty,  and  there  is  likcwitc  gathered  m  amazing 
quantity  of  rice,  which  proves  that  grain  will  fiourilli  in  thefe 
northern  climates  as  well  as  in  warmer.  Buffaloes,  carriboo, 
and  moofe  deer,  are  numerous  in  theie  parts.  The  bufl'alocs 
of  this  country  differ  from  thofe  that  are  found  more  to  the 
fouth  only  in  fee;  the  former  being  much  fmaller:  jufl:  as  tho 
black  cattle  of  the  northern  parts  of  Great-Britain  differ  from 
EngliiTi  oxen. 

On  the  waters  that  fall  into  this  Lake,  the  neighbouring  jiations 
take  great  numbers  ofcxcellent  furs.  Some  of  thefe  thev  carrvto 
the  fadories  and  fettlcments  belonging  to  the  Hudibn's  Cay  Com- 
pany, fituated  above  the  entrance  of  the  Bourbon  River;  but 
this  they  do  v»'ith  reluctance  on  feveral  a<^ounts ;  for  fome  of 
the  y\flinipoils  and  Killifrinoes,  wiio  ufi^ly  traded  with  the 
Company's  fervants,  told  me,  that  if  tl^ey  ^ul'd  be  fure  of  aeon-* 
ftant  fupply  of  goods  from  MichillimackinoC,  they  would  not 
trade  any  where  elfc.    Tbey  ihewed  mg''fome  qloth  and  other 

*  articles 


t    57    3 

artides  that  they  had  purchafed  at  Hudfon'i  Bay,  with  which 
ttiey  were  much  diiTatfsfied,  thinking  they  had  been  greatly 
impofed  upon  in  the  barter. 

Allowing  that  their  <accounts  were  true,  I  could  not  help  jpin- 
ing  in*" their  opioion.     But  this  diflTatisfaftion  might  probably 
proceed,  in  a  great  meafure,  from  the  intrigues  of  the  Canadian 
trader? :  for  whilft  the  French  were  in  poffeflion  of  Michilli- 
inacl<ftac»  having  acquired  a  thorough  knowledge  ot  the  trade 
of  the  north-weft  countries,  they  were  employed  on  that  ac- 
count, after  the  reduftion  of  Canada,  by  the  Englifh  traders 
there,  in  the  eftablifliment  of  this  trade  with  which  they  were 
themfelves  quite  unacquainted.     One  of  the  methods  they  took 
to  withdraw  thefe  Indians  from  their  attachment  to  the  Hudfon'« 
Bay  Company,  and  to  engage  their  good  opinion  in  behalf  of 
their  new  employers,  was  by  depreciating  on  all  occafions  the 
Company's  goods,  and  magnifying  the  advantages  that  would 
arife  to  them  from  trafficking  entirely  with  the  Canadian  tra* 
ders.    In  this  they  too  well  fucceeded,  and  from  this,  doubt* 
lefs,  did  the  diffatisfaflion  the  Adinipoils  and  Killiftin^«^s  ex* 
preflfed  to  me,  partly  proceed.    But  another  reafon  an         '  ** 
it ;  and  this  was  the  length  of  their  journey  to  the 
Bay  faftories,  which,  they  informed  me,  took  th' 
months,  during  the  fummer  heats  to  go  and  retm 
the  fmallnefs  of  their  canoes  they  could  not  carry  mo. 
third  of  the  beavers  they  killed.     So  that  it  is  not  to  b 
ed  at,  that  thefe  Indians  fliould  wifh  to  have  traders  c 
fide  among  them.    It   is  true  that  the  parts  they  i* 
within  the  limits  of  the  Hudfon's  Bay  territories;  bu 
pany  muft  be  under  the  necelfity  of  winking   at  an  ens, 
ment  of  this  kind,  as  the  Indians  would  without  doubt  proteft 
the  traders  v/ben  among  them.     Befides,  the  paflports  granted 
to  the  traders  that  go  from  Michillimackinac  give  them  liberty 
to  trade  to  the  north-weft  about  Lake  Superior;  by  which  is. 
meant  Fort  La  Reine,  Lake  Winnepeek,  or  any  other  parts  of 
the  waters  of  the  Bourbon  River,  where  the  Couriers  de  Bois, 
or  Traders,  may  make  it  moft  convenient  to  refide. 

Lac  dl  fiois  is  commonly  termed  by  the  French  in  theii^ps, 
or  in  Englifh  the  Lake  of  the  Wood,  is  fo  called  from  the  miilti* 
plicity  of  wood  growing  on  its  banks ;  fuch  as  oaJis,  pines,  firs, 
fpruce,  &c.  This  Lake  lies  ftill  higher  upon  a  branch  of  the 
River  Bourbon,  and  nearly  eaft  from  the  fouth  end  of  Lake  Win- 
nepecK.  It  is  of  great  depth  in  fome  places.  Its  length  from 
call  to  weft  about  feventy  miles,  and  its  greateft  breadth  about 
forty  miles.  It  has  but  few  illaiids,  and  thefe  of  no  great  mag- 
nitude. The  fillies,  fowls,  and  quadrupeds  that  are  found  near 
it,  vary  but  little  from ithoCe  of  the  Other  two  lakes.  A  few  of 
the  Killiftinoe  Indians  fometimes  enCamp  on  the  borders  of  iC 
to  fiih  and  hunt.  »f  .  ^^{t^- -/ %  v 

This  Lake  lies  in  the  communication  between  take  Superior, 
and  tlie  Lakes  Winnepeek  and  Bourbon.    Its  waters  are  noc« 


^ 


#t" 


■ih 


>■-•* 


t    58    1 

efleemeJ  quite  Co  pure  ar>  thofe  of  the  other  lakes,  it  having,  in 
many  places,  a  muddy  bottom. 

Lac  La  Pluye,  fo  called  by  the  French,  in  Englilh  the  Ratny 
Lake,  is  fuppofed  to  have  acquired  this  name  from  the  fiift  tra- 
vellers, that  paiTed  over  it,  meeting  with  an  uncommon  deal  of 
rain ;  or,  as  fome  have  affirmed,  from  a  mill  like  rain,  occa- 
fioned  by  a  perpendicular  water-fall  that  empties  itfclf  into  a 
river  which  lies  to  the  fouth-weft.        ^i^  # 

This  Lake  appears  to  be  divided  By  an  ifthmus,  near  the 
middle,  into  two  parts :  the  weil  papc  is  called  the  Great  Rainy 
Lake,  the  eaft,  the  Little  Rainy  Lake,  as  being  the  leafl  divi- 
(lon.  It  lies  a  few  miles  farther  to  the  eailward,  on  the  fame 
branch  of  the  Bourbon,  than  the  lafl-menttoned  Lake.  It  is  in 
general  very  Ihallow  in  its  depth.  The  broadeft  part  of  it  is 
not  more  than  twenty  miles,  its  length,  including  both,  about 
three  hundred  miles.  In  the  weft  part  the  water  is  very  clear  and 
good;  and  feme  excellent  fifh  are  taken  in  it.  A  great  many 
fowl  refort  here  at  the  fall  of  the  year.  Moofe  deer  are  to  be 
found  in  great  plenty,  and  likewife  thecarriboo;  whofe  skin 
for  breeches  or  gloves  exceeds  by  far  any  other  to  be  met  with 
in  North-America.  The  land  on  the  borders  of  this  Lake  is 
efieemed  in  fome  places  very  good,  hut  rather  too  thickly  co- 
vered with  wood.  Here  rciidfi  a  confiderable  band  of  the  Chi- 
p^ways.  «^ 

Eaftward  from  this  Lake  lie  feveral  fmall  ones,  which  extend 
in  a  vftring  to  the  gr6at  carrying  place,  and  from  thence  into 
Lake  Superior.  Between  thcfe  little  Lakes  are  feveral  carrying 
places,  which  renders  the  trade  to  the  north-weft  difficult  to  ac- 
compUlh,  and  exceedingly  tedious,  as  it  takes  two  years  to 
make  one  voyage  from  Michillimackinac  to  thefe  parts. 

Red  Lake  i?  a  comparatively  fmall  lake  at  the  hiad  of  a  branch 
of  the  Bourbon  River,  which  is  called  by  fome  Red  River.  Its 
form  i$  nearly  round,  and  about  fixty  miles  in  circumference. 
ft,  On  one  fide  of  it  is  a  tolerable  large  ifland,  clofe  by  which 
a  fmall  river  enters.  It  bears  almoft  fouth-eaftboth  from  Lake 
Winnepeek  and  from  Lake  du  Bois.  The  parts  adjacgnt  are 
very  little  known,  or  frequented,  even  by  the  favagdl'  them- 
felves. 

Not  far  from  this  Lake,  a  little  to  the  fouth-weft,  is  another 
called  White  Bear  Lake,  which  is  nearly  about  the  fize  of  the 
iaft  mentioned.  The  waters  that  compofe  this  Lake  are  the 
nioft  northern  of  any  that  fupply  the  iVIiffiflippi,  and  may  be 
Called  with  propriety  its  moft  remote  fource.  It  is  fed  by  two 
or  three  fmail  rivers,  or  rather  .large  brooks. 

A  (cw  miles  from  it,  to  the  fouth-eaft,  are  a  great  number  of 
fmall  lakes,  none  of  which  are  more  than  ten  miles  in  circum- 
ference, that  are  called  the  Thoufand  Lakes  In  the  adjacent 
country  is  j:eckoned  the  fineft  hunting  for  furs  of  any  on  this 
continent ;  the  Indians  who  hunt  here  feldom  returning  with- 
i^uc  having  (h^ii  canoes  loaded  as  deep  as  they  can  fwim. 

,     /  llavinfi  . 


^:.*,:,.  ■.  I  »  1 

^Having  Juil  before  otifcrved  that  this  Lake  is  the  utirioft  north- 
em  fource  of  the  Mifliflippi,  I  ihall  here  further  remark,  that 
before  this  river  enters  the  Oulph  of  Mexico,  It  has  not  run 
lefs,  through  all  its  meanderings,  than  three  thoufand  mites ;  or, 
in  a  flrait  line  from  north  to  fouth,  about  twenty  degrees,  which 
is  nearly  fourteen  hundred  Engliih  miles. 

Thefe  Indians  informed  me,  that  to  the  north- well  of  Lake 
Winnepeek  lies  another,  whofe  circumference  vaftly  exceeded 
any  they  had  given  me  an  account  of.  Theydefcribe  it  as  much 
larger  than  Lake  Superior.  But  as  it  appears  to  be  fo  far  to 
the  nortU-weft,  I  fKould  imagine  that  it  was  not  a  lake,  but 
rather  the  Archipelago  or  broken  waters  that  form  the  com- 
munication between  Hudfon's  Bay  and  the  northern  parts  of 
the  Pacific  Ocean.  1^  "        ,.:<i. 

There  are  an  infinite  niynber  of  fmall  lakes,  on  the  more 
weftern  parts  of  the  weftern  head-branches  of  the  Miflifllppi, 
as  well  between  thefe  and  Lake  Winnepeek,  but  none  of  them 
are  large  enough  to  fuppofe  either  of  them  to  be  the  laJie  or 
waters  meant  by  the  Indians. 

They  likewife  informed  me,  that  fome  of  the  northern  brandies 
of  the  Meflforie  and  the  fouthern  branches  of  the  St.  Pierre  have 
a  communication  with  each  other,  except  for  a  mile ;  ovcjf 
which  they  carry  their  canoes.  And  by  what  I  could  learn  from 
them,  this  is  the  road  they  take  when  their  "war  parties  make 
their  excurfionsupon  the  Pawnees  and  Pawnawnees,  nations  ift- 
habitlng  fome  branches  of  the  Meflbrie  River.  In  the  countr/, 
belonging  to  thefe  people  it  is  faid,  that  Mandrakes  are  fre- 
quently found,  a  fpecies  of  root  refembling  human  beings  of 
both  fexes ;  and  that  thefe  are  more  perfeft  than  fuch  as  are 
difcovered  about  the  Nile  in  Nether-Ethiopia. 

A  little  to  the  north-weft  of  the  heads  of  the  Meffbrie  and 
the  St.  Pierre,  the  Indians  further  told  me,  that  there  was  a 
nation  rather  fnialler  and  whiter  than  the  neighbouring  txibes* 
who  cultivate  the  ground,  and,  ("as  far  as  I  could  gather  from 
their  exprcflions)  in  fome  meafure,  the  arts.  To  this  account 
they  added  that  fome  of  the  nations,  who  inhabit  thofe  parts 
that  lie  to  the  weft  of  the  Shining  Mountains,  have  gold  fo 
plenty  among  them  that  they  make  their  moft  common  utenfils 
of  it.  Thefe  mountains  (which  I  iliall  defcribe  more  partftu- 
larly  hereafter)  divide  the  waters  that  fall  into  the  South  Sea 
from  thofe  that  run  into  the  Atlantic.  «      *" 

The  people  dwelling  near  them  are  fuppofcd  to  be  fome  of 

)e  different  tribes  that  were  tributary  to  the  Mexican  kings, 
md  who  fled  from  their  native  country,  to  feek  an  afylum  in 
thefe  parts,  about  the  time  of  the  conqueft  of  Mexico  by  the 
Jpaniards,  more  than  two  centuries  ago. 

As  fome  confirmation  of  this  fuppoiition  it  is  remarked,  that 
Ihey  have  chofen  the  moft  interior  parts  for  their  retreat,  being 
(ilill  prepofleffbd  with  a  notion  that  the  fea-coafts  havjlbeen  in- 
filled ^ver  fince  with  monfters  vomiting  fire»  and  hurliiig  about 

thunder 


/J 


'/•#//' 


J* 


t  to  1 

thtm^  snd  lightning;  from  wbofe  bowels  iflued  men^  who, 
yrith  unfeen  inHruments,  or  by  the  power  of  magick,  killed  the 
barmlefE  Indians  at  an  aiftoniihing  diilance.  From  fuch  as  thefe, 
their  fore-fathers  (according  to  a  tradition  among  them  that 
Hill  remains  unimpaired)  fled  to  theretired  abodes  they  now  in- 
habit. For  as  they  found  that  the  floating  monfters,  which  had 
thus  terrified  them  could  not  approach  the  land,  and  that  thofe 
who  had  defccnded  from  their  iidcs  did  not  care  to  make  excur- 
fions  to  any  confiderable  diilance  from  them,  they  formed  a  re- 
folution  to  betake  themfelves  to  fome  country,  that  lay  far  from 
the  fea-coalls,  where  only  they  could  be  fecure  from  fuch  dia- 
bolical enemies.  They  accordingly  let  out  with  their  families, 
and  after  a  long  peregrination,  fettled  themfelves  near  thefe 
mountains,  where  they  concluded  they  had  found  a  place  of 
perfect  fecurity. 

The  Winnebagoes,  dwelling  on  the  Fox  River  Cwhom  I  have 
already  treated  of)  are  likewife  fuppofed  to  be  fome  ftrolling 
band  from  the  Mexican  countries.  But  they  are  able  to  give 
'only  an  imperfeft  account  of  their  original  refidence.  They  fay 
they  formerly  came  a  great  way  from  the  weftward,  and  were 
driven  by  wars  to  take  refuge  among  the  Naudoweffies ;  but  as 
they  are  entirely  ignorant  of  the  arts,  or  of  the  value  of  gold, 
it  is  rather  to  be  fuppofed,  that  they  were  driven  from  their  an- 
cient fettlements  by  the  above-mentioned  emigrants,  asthcypaf- 
fed  on  towards  their  prefent  habitation. 

Thefe  fuppofitions,  however,  may  want  confirmation;  for 
the  fmaller  tribes  of  Indians  are  fubjedl  to  fuch  various  altera- 
tions in  their  places  of  abode,  from  the  wars  they  are  continu- 
ally engaged  in,  that  it  is  almoft'  impoffible  to  afcertain,  after 
half  a  century,  the  original  Otuation  of  any  of  them. 

That  range  of  mountains,  of  which  the  Shining  Mountains 
are  a  part,  begin  at  Mexico,  and  continuing  northward  on  the 
back,  or  to  the  eaft  of  California,  feparate  the  waters  of  thofe 
numerous  rivers  that  fail  either  into  the  Gulph  of  Mexico,  or 
the  Gulph  of  California.  From  thence  continuing  their  courfe 
ftill  northward,  between  the  fources  of  the  Mifliffippi  and  the 
fivers  that  run  into  the  South  Sea,  they  appear  to  end  in  about 
forty-feven  or  forty-eight  degrees  of  north-latitude;  where  a 
number  of  rivers  arife,  and  empty  themfelves  either  into  the 
South  Sea,  into  Hudfon's  Bay,  or  into  the  waters  that  commu- 
jjicate  between  thefe  two  feas. 

Among  thefe  mountains,  thofe  that  lie  to  the  weft  of  the  ly- 
vcr  St.  Pierre,  are  called  the  Shining  Mountains,  from  an  in 
nice  number  of  chryftal  flones,  of  an  amazing  fize,  with  whic 
they  are  covered,  and  which,  when  the  fun  fliines  full  upo 
them,  fparkle  fo  as  to  be  feen  at  a  very  great  diftance. 

This  extraordinary  range  of  mountains  is  calculated  to  b, 
more  than  three  thoufand  miles  in  length,  without  any  very  cor 
fiderable  intervals,  which  I  believe  furpalTes  any  thing  of  th 
kind  in  the  other  (juaxters  of  the  globe.    Probably  in  futu| 


tges  thejr  may  be  found  to  contain  more  riches  in  their  bowels* 
than  tficfe  of  Indoftan  and  Malabar,  or  that  are  produced 
on  the  golden  coalt  of  Guinea;  nor  will  I  except  even  the  I'e- 
ruvian  mines.  To  the  weft  of  thefe  mountains,  when  explored 
by  future  Coiumbufes  or  Raleighs,  may  be  .found  other  lakes^ 
rivers,  and  countries,  full  fraught  with  all  the  necelTaries  or  lux- 
uries of  life;  and  where  future  generations  may  find  anafylum, 
whether  driven  from  their  country  by  the  ravages  of  lawlefs  ty- 
rants, or  by  religious  perfecutions,  or  reluftantly  leaving  it  to 
remedy  the  inconveniences  arifing  l^roma  fuperabundant  increafe 
of  inhabitants ;  whether,  1  fay,  impelled  by  thefe,  or  allured  by 
hopes  of  commercial  advantages,  there  is  little  doubt  but  their 
expectations  will  be  fully  gratitied  in  thefe  rich  and  unexhaulled 
climes. 

But  to  return  to  the  Ailinipoils  and  Killiflinoes,  whom  I  left 
at  the  Grand  Poita;;c,  and  from  whom  1  received  the  foregoing 
account  of  the  lakes  that  lie  to  the  north-weft  of  this  place. 

The  traders  we  expected  being  later  this  feafon  than  ufual, 
and  our  numbers  very  confiderable,  for  there  were  more  than 
three  hundred  of  us,  the  Itock  of  provifions  we  had  brought 
with  us  was  nearly  exhaufted,  and  we  waited  with  impatience 
for  their  arrival. 

One  day,  whilft  we  were  all  exprefllng  our  wiflies  for  this  de- 
firable  event,  and  looking  from  an  eminence  in  hopes  of  fee- 
ing them  come  over  the  lake,  the  chief  prieft  belonging  totbi^ 
band  of  the  Killiftinoes  told  us,  that  he  would  endeavour  to 
obtain  a  conference  with  the  Great  Spirit,  and  know  from  him 
when  the  traders  would  arrive.  1  paid  little  attention  to 
this  declaration,  iuppoUng  that  it  would  be  produftive  of  fome 
juggling  trick,  juft  fuliicieatly  covered  to  deceive  the  ignorant 
Indians.  But  the  king  of  that  tribe  telling  me  that  this  was 
chiefly  undertaken  by  the  prieft  to  alleviate  my  anxiety,  and  at. 
the  fame  time  to  convince  me  how  much  intcr-eft  he  had  w'th 
the  Great  Spirit  I  thought  it  nececeflfary  to  reitrain  my  animad- 
verfions  on  his  defign. 

The  following  evening  was  fixed  opon  for  this  fpiritual  c6n- 
ference.  When  every  thing  had  been  properly  prepared,  tho 
king  came  to  me  and  led  me  to  a  capacious  Lenc,  the  covering 
of  which  was  drawn  up,  fo  4s  to  render  what  was  tianfadting 
within  vifible  to  thofe  who  ftood  without.  We  found  the  tent 
furrounded  by  a  great  number  of  tlie  Indians,  but  we  readily 
;!5gained  admiffion,  and  feated  ourfelves  on  skins  laid  on  tho 
'  ;round  for  that  purpofe. 

In  the  center  1  obierved  that  there  was  a  place  of  an  oblong 
[ftape,  which  was  compofed  of  ftakes  ftuci;  in  the  gibund^  witli 
intervals  between,  fo  as  to  form  a  kind  of  chclt  or  coftin,  large 
;  enough  to  contain  the  body  of  a  man.  Theie  were  of  a  mid- 
Ue  fize,  and  placed  at  fuch  a  diftance  from  each-o^ri  *^hai: 
[whatever  lay  within  them  was  -readily  to  be  difceri*^  The 
pfent  was  perfeflly  illuminated  by  a  great  number  of  torches-mad^ 

of 


vlf  lintsrs  dtt  from  the  pine  or  birch  tree,  which  the  Indians  held 
in  their  hands. 

|n  a  few  minutes  the  pried  entered ;  when  an  amazing  large 
elk's  skin  being  fpread  on  the  ground,  juft  at  my  feet,  he  laid 
himfelf  down  upon  it,  after  having  ftript  himfelf  of  every  gar- 
ment except  that  which  he  wore  clofe  about  his  middle.  Being 
now  proftrate  on  his  back,  he  lirll  laid  hold  of  one  fide  of  the 
skin,  and  folded  it  over  him,  and  then  the  other;  leaving  only 
his  head  uncovered.  This  was  no  fooncr  done,  than  two  of 
the  young  men  who  flood  by,  took  about  forty  yards  of  ftrong 
cord,  made  alfo  of  an  elk's  hide,  and  rolled  it  tight  round  his 
body,  fo  that  he  was  completely  fwathcd  within  the  skin.  Be- 
ing thus  bound  up  like  an  ICgyptian  Mummy,  one  took  him  by  the 
heels,  and  the  other  by  the  head  and  lifted  him  over  the  pales 
hito  the  inclofurc.  I  could  alfo  now  difcern  him  as  plain  as  I 
had  hitherto  done,  and  I  took  care  not  to  turn  my  eyes  a  mo- 
ment from  the  objeft  before  me,  that  I  might  the  more  readily 
^eteft  the  artifice ;  for  fuch  1  doubted  not  but  that  it  would 
turn  out  to  be. 
'  The  pried  had  not  Iain  in  this  fituation  more  than  a  few  fc- 
conds,  when  he  began  to  mutter.  This  he  continued  to  do  for 
fome  time,  and  then  by  degrees  grew  louder  and  loudejf  till  at 
length  he  fpoke  articulately;  however  what  he  uttered  was  in 
fuch  a  mixed  jargon  of  the  Chipeway,  Ottowaw,  and  Killifti- 
noe  languages,  that  I  could  underftand  but  very  little  of  it. 
Having  continued  in  this  tone  for  a  confiderable  while,  he  at 
laft  exerted  his  voice  to  its  utmort  pitch,  fometimes raving,  and 
fometimes  praying,  till  he  had  worked  himfelf  into  fuch  an  agi- 
tation, that  he  foamed  at  his  mouth. 

After  having  remained  near  three  quarters  of  an  hour  in  the 
place,  and  continued  his  vociferation  with  unabated  vigor,  he 
fecmed.to  be  quite  exhauUed,  and  remained  fpeechlefs.  JRutin 
ari;  inrtant  he  fprung  upon  his  feet,  notwithftanding  at  the  time 
be  was  put  in,  it  appeared  impolfible  for  him  to  move  either  hi* 
legs  or  arms,  and  Ihaking  off  his  covering,  as  quick  as  if  the 
bands  with  which  it  had  been  bound  were  burned  afunder,  he 
begun  to  addrefs  thofe  who  flood  around,  in  a  firm  and  audible 
voice.  "  My  brothers,"  faid  he,  "  the  Great  Spirit  has  deign- 
*'  cd  to  hold  a,  Talk  with  his  fervant  at  my  carnefl  requeft.  He 
"  has  not,  indeed,  told  me  when  the  per fons  we  cxpeft,  will  bo 
<'  here;  but  to-morr6w,  foon  after  the  fun  has  reached  hi^ 
**  highcft  point  in  the  heavens,  a  canoe  will  arrive,  and  the 
**  people  in  that  will  inform  us  when  the  traders  will  come." 

Having  faid  this,  he  pepped  out  of  the  fnclofure, -and  after 
he  had  put  on  his  robes,  'diMiffed  the  affembly.  I  own  I  #^s 
greatly  aflonilhed  at  what  I  had  feen;  but  as  lobfeved  that  eve- 
ry eye  in  the  compainy  was  fixed  on  me  with  a  view  to  difcov^r 
my  fentimcnts,  I  carefully  concealed  every  emotion. 

The  next  day  the  fun  fHone 'bright,  and  long  before  noon  all 
the  Indians  were  gathcwid  together  on  the  eminence  that  over^ 

looki 


wMMiHfciiMMail 


[     63     Ir 

looked  the  lake.  The  old  king  came  to  me  and  asked  mc,  whe- 
ther I  had  fo  much  confidence  in  what  the  prieft  had  foretold^ 
as  to  join  his  people  on  the  hill,  and  wait  for  the  completion  of 
it?  I  told  him  I  was  at  a  lofs  what  opinion  to  form  of  the 
prcdiftion,  but  that  I  would  readily  attend  him.  On  this  wo 
walked  together  to  the  place  where  the  others  were  ailembled^. 
Every  eye  was  again  fixed  by  turns  on  me  and  on  the  lake;  when 
juO  as  the  fun  had  reached  his  zenith,  agreeable  to  what  the 
pried  had  foretold,  a  canoe  came  round  a  point  of  land  about 
a  league  diflant.  The  Indians  no  fooner  beheld  it,  than  they 
fet  up  an  univcrfal  fhout,  and  by  their  looks  Teemed  to  triumph 
in  the  inlcrefl  their  priefl  thus  evidently  had  with  the  GreaC 
Spirit. 

In  lefs  than  an  hour  the  canoe  reached  the  fliore,  when  I  at- 
tended the  king  and  chiefs  to  receive  thofe  who  were  onboard. 
As  foon  as  the  men  were  landed,  we  walked  all  together  to  the 
Kings  tent,  when,  according  to  their  invariable  cuftom,  we  be- 
gan to  fmoke ;  and  this  we  did,  notvvithftanding  our  impatience 
to  know  the  tidings  they  brought,  without  asking  anyqucftions; 
for  the  Indians  arc  tlie  moll  deliberate  people  in  the  worldji 
However,  after  feme  trivial  conveiTation,  the  king  enquired  df 
them,  whether  they  had  feen  any  thing  of  the. traders?  The 
inen  replied,  that  they  had  parted  from  them  a  few  days  before, 
and  that  they  propi>fed  being  here  the  fccond  day  from  thepre* 
fent.  They  accordingly  arrived  at  that  time  greatly  to  ou*  fa- 
tisfaftion,  but  more  particularly  fo  to  that  of  the  Indians,  who 
found  by  this  event  the  importance  both  of  their  prieft  and  of 
their  nation,  greatly  augmented  in  the  fight  of  a  ftranger. 

This  (lory  I  acknowledge  appears  to  carry  with  it  marks  qf 
great  credulity  in  the  relator.  But  no  one  is  \^  tiniftured  with 
that  weaknefs  than  myfelf.  The  circumftances  of  it,  I  own,  are 
of  a  very  extraordinary  nature  ,•  however,  as  I  can  vouch  for 
their  being  free  from  cither  exaggeration  or  mifreprefentation, 
being  myfelf  a  cool  and  difpafllonate  obferver  of  them  all,  l 
ftought  it  necelTary  to  give  them  to  the  public.  And  this  I  do 
without  wiihing  to  millc;:d  the  jtidgment  of  my  readers,  or  to 
make  any  fuperftitious  imprcflions  on  their  minds,  but  leaving 
Jhem  to  draw  from  it  what  concluOons  they  pleafe. 

I  have  already  obfcrved  that  the  Aflinipoils.  with  a  part  of 
whom  I  met  here,  are  a  revolted  band  of  the  Naudowellies ; 
who  on  account  of  fomc  real  or  imagir^ed  grievances,  for  the 
Indians  in  general  arc  very  tenacious  of  their  liberty,  had  fepa- 
rated  thenifelves  from  their  countrymen,  and  fought  for  free- 
dom* at  the  expence  of  their  cafe.  For  the  country  they  now 
inhabit  about  the  borders  of  Lake  Wiimepeek,  being  much  far- 
ther north,  is  not  near  fo  fertile  oir  a^eeaj^le  as  thac  they  have 
xelinquiftied.  They  dill  retain  the  language  and  manners  of 
their  former  alTociates.  A.^.,.  ^     • 

The  Killiftinoes,  now  the  neighbours  and  allies  of  the  AUni- 

ils,  for  they  alfo  dwell  ncoi  the  Came  lake,  aad  on  the  wa* 

tPtfi 


W 
% 


«■ 


0 


IS 


■'iCTfe. 


'If' 


)l». 


h^'^ 


H    6^    ] 

tcrs  of  the  River  Bourbon,  appear  to  have  been  originally  t 
tribe  of  the  Chipdways,  as  they  fpeak  their  language,  though  in 
a  different  dialefl.  Their  nation  conflds  of  about  three  or  four 
hundred  warriors,  and  they  feem  to  be  a  hardy  brave  people. 
I  have  already  given  an  account  of  their  country  when  1  treated 
of  Lake  Wlnncpeek.  As  they  refide  within  the  limits  Of  Hud* 
fon's  Bay,  they  generally  trade  at  the  faftorics  which  belong  to 
that  company,  but,  for  the  reafons  mentioned  before,  they  fre- 
quently come  to  the  place  where  I  happened  to  join  them,  in 
order  to  meet  the  traders  from  Michillimackinac. 

The  anxiety  I  had  felt  on  account  of  the  traders  delay,  was 
not  much  alleviated  by  their  arrival.  1  again  found  my  expec- 
tations difappointed,  fori  was  not  able  to  procure  the  goods  I 
Wanted  from  any  of  them.  I  was  therefore  obliged  to  give  over 
my  defigns,  and  return  to  the  place  from  whence  I  firft  began  my 
cxtenfive  circuit.  I  accordingly  took  leave  of  the  old  king  of 
the  Killiftinoes,  with  the  chiefs  of  both  bands,  and  departed. 
This  prince  was  upwards  of  fixty  years  of  age,  tall  and  (lightly 
made,  but  he  carried  himfelf  very  creft.  He  was  of  a  cour- 
teous, affable  difpofition,  and  treated  me,  as  did  all  the  chiefs, 
with  great  civility. 

I  obferved  tliat  this  people  ftill  continued  a  cuftom,  that  ap- 
peared to  have  been  univerfal  before  any  of  them  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  manners  of  the  Europeans,  that  of  compli- 
menting ftrangers  with  the  company  of  their  wives;  and  this  is 
not  only  praftifed  by  the  lower  ranks,  but  by  the  chiefs  them- 
felves,  who  efteem  it  the  greateft  proof  of  courtefy  they  can 
give  a  ftrangcr. 

The  beginning  of  Oftober,  after  having  coafted  round  the 
north  and  eaft  borders  of  Lake  Superior,  I  arrived  at  Cadot's 
Fort,  which  adjoins  to  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie,  and  is  fituated 
near  the  fouth-weft  corner  of  it. 

t  Lake  Superior,  formerly  termed  the  Upper  Lake  from  its 
northern  fituation,  is  fo  called  on  account  of  its  being  fuperio| 
in  magnitude.to  any'of  the  Lakes  on  that  vart  continent.  Itmight 
juftly  be  termed  the  Cafpian  of  America,  and  is  fuppofed  to  be 
the  l?.vgeft  body  of  frelh  water  on  the  globe.  Its  circumference, 
according  to  the  French  charts,  is  about  fifteen  hundred  miles; 
but  I  believe,  that  if  it  was  coafted  roi'.nd,  and  the  utmoft  ex- 
tent of  every  bay  taken,  it  would  exceed  fixtcen  hundred. 

After  I  firll  entered  it  from  Goddard  s  River  on  the  weft  Bay, 
I  coafted  near  twelve  hundred  miles  oi"the  north  andeaft  fliores 
of  it,  and  obferved  that  the  greateft  part  ot  that  extenfive  tradl 
was  bounded  by  rocks  and  uneven  ground.  The  water  in  gene- 
ral appeared  to  lie  on  a^ed  of  rocks.  ^  When  it  was  calm,  and 
the  fun  ihonc  bright,  I  could  fit  in  my  canoe,  where  the  depth 
was"  upwards  of  fix  fathoms,  and  plainly  fee  huge  piles  of  Hone 
at  the  bottom,  of  different  fliapes,  fome  of  which  appeared  as 
If  they  were  hewn.  The  water  at  this  time  was  as  pure  and 
tranfparcnt  as  air;  and  my  canoe  fccmed  as  if  it  hung  fufpend|  1 


I  <J  } 

c  J  in  that  element.  It  was  impoflible  to  look  attentively  through 
this  limpid  medium  at  the  rocks  below,  without  finding,  before 
matiy  minutes  were  clapfed,  your  head  fwiin,  and  your  eyes  no 
longer  able  to  behold  the  dazzling  fcenc. 

1  difcovered  alfoliy  accident  another  extraordinary  proper- 
ty in  the  waters  of  this  lake.  Though  it  was  in  the  month  of 
July  that  I  paired  over  it,  and  the  furfa^  of  the  water,  from 
the  heat  of  the  fuperambient  air,  impregnated  with  no  fmall 
degree  of  warmth,  yet  on  letting  down  a  cup  to  the  depth  of 
about  a  fathom,  the  water  drawn  from  thence  was  fo  exceflive- 
ly  cold,  that  it  had  the  fame  efFe^  when  received  into  the  mouth 
as  ice. 

The  fituation  of  this  Lake  is  varioufly  laid  down ;  but  from 
the  moft  exaft  oblervations  I  could  make,  it  lies  between  forty- 
fix  and  Hfty  degrees  of  north-latitude,  and  be':ween  eighty-four 
and  ninety-three  degrees  of  well  longitude  from  the  meridian  of 
London. 

There  are  many  iflands  in  this  lake,  two  of  which  are  very 
large;  and  if  the  land  of  them  is  proper  for  cultivation,  there 
appears  to  be  fufficient  to  form  on  each  a  confider  able  province; 
cfpccially  on  Ific  Royal,  which  cannot  be  lefs  than  an  hundred 
miles  long,  and  in  many  places  forty  broad,  fiut  there  is  no 
way  at  prefent  of  afcertaining  the  exafl  length  or  breadth  of  ei- 
ther.  Even  the  French,  who  always  kept  a  fmall  fchoonet  on 
this  lake,  whilft  they  were  in  pofleilion  of  Canada,  by  which 
they  could  have  made  this  difcovery,  have  only  acquired  a  flight 
knowledge  of  the  external  parts  of  thefe  iflands;  at  leaft  they 
have  never  publilTicd  any  account  of  the  internal  parts  of  them, 
that  I  could  get  intelligence  of. 

Nor  was  I  able  to  difcover  from  any  of  the  converfations 
which  I  held  with  the  neighbouring  Indians,  that  they  had  ever 
made  any  fettlements  on  them,  or  even  landed  there  in  their 
hunting  excurfions.  From  what  I  could  gather  by  their  drf- 
courle,  they  fuppofe  them  to  have  been,  from  their  firft  infor- 
mation, the  refidence  of  the  Great  Spirit ;  and  relate  many  ri- 
diculous (lories  of  enchantment  and  magical  tricks  that  had  been 
experienced  by  fuch  as  were  obliged  through  ftrefs  of  weather 
to  take  iTiclter  on  them. 

One  of  the  Chiptiway  chiefs  told  me,  that  fome  of  their 
people  being  once  driven  on  the  ifland  of  Mauropas,  which  lies 
towards  the  north-eaft  part  of  the  lake,  found  on  it  large  quan- 
tities pf  a  heavy  iTiining  yellow  fand,  that  from  their  defcrip- 
tion  mull  have  been  gold  dufl;.  Being  (Iruck  with  the  beautifol 
appearance  of  it,  in  the  morning,  when  they  re-entered  cheii; 
canoe,  they  attempted  to  bring  fome  away;  but  a  fpirit  of  an 
amazing  lize,  according  to  their  account  fixty  teet  in  height, 
ftrode  in  the  water  after  them,  and  commanded  them  to  deliver 
[back  what  they  had  taken  SAvay.  Terrified  at  his  gigantic  fta- 
itiire,  and  feeing  that  he  had  nearly  overuken  them,  they  were 
[|lad  to  rellore  their  Ihining  treafmc;  Qn  which  tjiey  \Vcre  fuf- 

I  fcr€0 


^^ 


1 


i 


^ 

r 


(    66    3 

fered  to  depart  without  further  moleftation.  Since  this  incident, 
no  Indian  that  has  ever  heard  of  it,  will  venture  near  the  fame 
haunted  coaft.  Befides  this,  they  recounted  to  roe  many  ot^et 
(lories  of  thefe  i Hands,  equally  fabulous. 

The  country  on  the  north  and  eaft  parts  of  Lake  Superior  is 
very  mountainous  and  barren*  The  weather  being  intenfely  cold 
in  the  winter,  and  the  fun  having  but  little  power  in  the  fum- 
racr,  vegetation  the»e  is  very  flow;  and  confequently  but  little 
fruit  is  to  he  found  on  its  fliore.  It  however  produces  foihe 
few  fpecies  in  great  abundance.  VVhirtleberries  of  an  uncom- 
mon fize,  and  line  flavour,  grow  on  the  mountains  near  the  lake 
in  amazing  quantities ;  as  do  black  currants  and  gooAerries  in 
the  lame  luxuriant  manner. 

Kut  the  fruit  which  exceeds  all  the  others,  is  a  berry  refemb- 
ling  a  raiberry  in  its  manner  of  growth,  but  of  a  lighter  red, 
and  much  larger;  its  tafte  is  far  more  delicious  than  the  fruit  I 
have  coiiipaied  it  too,  notwithftanding  that  it  is  fo  highly  ef- 
teemed  in  Europe :  it  grows  on  a  iTirub  of  the  nature  of  a  vine, 
with  leaves  fimilar  to  thofe  of  the  grape;  and  I  am  perfuaded 
that  was  it  tranfplanted  into  a  warmer  and  more  kindly  climate, 
it  would  prove  a  moft  rare  and  delicious  fruit. 

Two  very  large  rivers  empty  themfelves  into  this  lake,  On 
the  north  and  north-eaft  fide ;  one  is  called  the  Nipegon  River,  or, 
as  the  French  pronounce  it,  thiAllanipegon,  which  leads  to  a  band 
of  the  Chip^iways,  inhabiting  a  lake  of  the  fame  name,  and  the 
other  is  termed  the  Michipicooton  River,  the  fource  of  which 
is  fituatcd  towards  James's  Bay,  from  v/hence  there  is  but  a 
ikon  carriage  to  •another  river,  which  empties  itfelf  into  that 
bay,  at  a  fort  belonging  to  the  company.  It  was  by  thispaflage 
that  a  party  of  French  from  Michillimackinac  invaded  the 
fcttlements  of  that  fociety  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne.  Having 
taken  and  deftroyed  their  forts,  they  brought  the  cannon  which 
they  found  in  them  to  the  lOi  trcfs  from  whence  they  had  ifllied;  thefe 
were  fmall  brafs  pieces,  and  remain  there  to  this  prefent  time; 
having,  through  the  ufual  revolutions  of  fortune,  returned  to 
the  pofTcflion  of  their  former  matters. 

Not  far  from  the  Nipegon  is  a  Imall  river,  that  juft  before  it 
enters  the  lake,  has  a  perpendicular  fall  from  the  top  of  a 
mountain,  of  more  thin  fix  hundred  feet.  Being  very  narrow, 
it  appears  at  a  diliance  like  a  white  garter  fulpended  in  the  air. 
^'  A  few  Indians  inhabit  round  the  eaftcrn  borders  of  this  lake, 
fiippoi'ed  to  be  the  remains  of  the  Algonkins,  who  formerly 
polfefled  this  country,  but  who  have  been  nearly  extirpated  by 
iVie  Iroquois  of  Canada.  Lake  Superior  has  near  forty  rivers 
that  fall  into  it,  fome  of  which  are  of  a  confiderable  fize.  Orj 
the  iouth-fide  of  it  is  a  remarkable  point  or  cape,  of  about  fix- 
ty  miles  in  lent^th,  called  Point  Chegomegan.  It  might  as  pro- 
perly be  termed  a  peninfula,  as  it  is  neatly  feparated  from  the 
'  cofltinent,  on  the  eaft  lide,  by  a  narrow  bay  that  extewis  from 
call  to  well.     Cunoes  iiave  but  a  ihort  poiugc  acrofs  the  itth- 

inasi 


f    «7    1 

mus,  whereas  if  thty  coafl  it  round,  the  voyage  is  more  than 
an  hundred  miles. 

About  that  diftance  to  the  \reft  of  the  cape  juft  defcribed,  a 
confiderable  river  falls  into  the  lake,  the  head  of  which  is  com- 
pofed  of  a  great  alTemblage  of  fmall  ftreams.  This  river  is  remark-  *;^  ^ 
able  for  the  abundance  of  virgin  copper  that  is  found  on  and 
near  its  banks.  A  metal  which  is  met  with  alfo  in  feverai  other 
places  on  this  coaft.  I  obferved  that  many  of  the  fmall  iflands, 
particularly  thofe  on  the  eaftern  Ihorcs,  were  covered  with 
copper  ore.  They  appeared  like  beds  of  copperas,  of  which 
many  tuns  lay  in  a  fmall  fpace. 

A  company  of  adventurers  from  England  began,  foon  after 
the  conquell  of  Canada,  to  bring  away  fome  of  this  metal,  but 
the  diftrafted  fituation  of  affairs  in  America  has  obliged  them  to 
relinquilli  their  fcheme.  It  might  in  future  times  bemade  a  ve- 
ry advantageous  trade,  as  the  metal,  which  cofts  nothing  on  the 
fpot,  and  requires  but  little  expence  to  get  it  on  board,  could 
be  conveyed  in  boats  or  canoes  through  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie, 
to  the  IfleofSt.  Joieph,  which  lies  at  the  bottom  of  the  Straights 
near  the  entrance  into  Lake  Huron j  from  thence  it  might  be 
put  on  board  larger  veffcls,  and  in  them  tranfported  acrofs  that 
lake  to  the  Falls  of  Niagara;  there  being  carried  by  land  acrofs 
the  Portage,  it  might  be  conveyed  without  much  more  obftruc- 
tion  to  Quebec.  The  cheapnefs  andeafe  with  which  any  qtia^rf-  ■ 
tity  of  it  may  be  procured,  will  make  up  for  the  length  of  way 
that  is  necelFary  to  tranfport  it  before  it  ''Waches  the  fea  coaft, 
and  enable  the  proprietors  to  fend  it  to  foreign  markets  on  as 
good  terms  as  it  can  be  exported  from  other  countries. 

Lake  Superior  abounds  with  a  variety  of  fiih,  the  principal 
and  befl;  are  the  trout  and  fturgeon,  which  may  be  caught  at  al-  »• 
moft  any  feafon  in  the  greateft  abundance.     The  trouts  in  ge- 
ncral  weigh  about  twelve  pounds,  but  fome  are  caught  that  ex- 
ceed fifty.     Befides  thefe,  a  fpecies  of  white  filTi  is  takgn  in  great 
quantities  here,  that  referable  a  fhad  in  their  i'hape,.:ytt  they 
are  rather  thicker,  and  lefs  bony;  they  weigh  about  fourpf^ds 
each,  and  are  of  a  delicious  talle.     The  beft  way   of  catching 
thcfc  filh  is  with  a  net;  but  the  trout  might  be  taken  at  ail 
times  with  the  hook.     There  are  likewife  many  forts  of  fmaller 
filli  in  great  plenty  here,  and  which  may  be  taken  with  eafe; 
among  thefe  is  a  fort  refembling  a  herring,  that  are  generally  ^^ 
made  ufe  of  as  a  bait  for  the  trout.     Very  fmall  crabs,  not  larger" 
than  half  a  crown  piece,  arc  found  both  in  this  and  Lake  Mi- 
chegan. 

..  This  Lake  is  as  much  afFeclcd by ftorras  as  the  Atlantic  Ocean; 
the  waves  run  as  high,  and  are  equally  as  dangerous  to  Ihips. 
It  difcharges  its  waters  from  the  fouth-eail  corner,  through  the 
Straights  of  St.  Marie.  At  the  upper  end  of  thefe  Straights 
Itands  a  fort  c  lat  receives  its  name  from  them,  commanded  by 
Monf.  Cadot,  a  French  Canadian,  who  being  pioprietbr  of  the; 
foil,  is  ftill  pciiuitted  to  keep  polTcflion  of  it.    Near  ihh  fort 


t 


^^b 


r  <8  1 

19  a  very  ftrong  rapid,  againft  which,  th<fugh  it  Is  impoflibl« 
for  canoes  to  afcend,  yet  when  conduced  by  careful  pilots>  they 
might  pafs  down  without  danger.  ''     \« 

Though  Lake  Superior,  as  I  have  before  obferved,  is  fiip- 
plied  by  near  forty  rivers,  many  of  which  are  confiderable  ones, 
yet  it  does  not  appear  that  one  tenth  part  of  tfie  waters  which 
are  conveyed  into  it  by  thefe  rivers,  are  carried  off  at  this  eva- 
cuatipn.  How  fuch  a  fuperabundance  of  waters  can  be  dif- 
pofcdSJIs  as  it  muft  certainly  be  by  fome  means  or  other,  with- 
out  which  the  circumference  of  the  lake  would  be  continually 
enlarging,  I  know  not :  that  it  does  not  empty  itlelf,  as  the  Me. 
diterranean  fea  is  fuppofed  to  do,  6y  an  under  current,  which 
perpetually  counterafts  that  near  the  furface,  is  certain ;  foy 
the  ftream  which  fails  over  the  rock  is  not  more  than  five  or  fir' 
feet  in  depth,  and  the  whole  of  it  paffes^n'through  the  Straights 
into  the  adjacent  lake ;  nor  is  it  probable  that  fo  great  a  quan- 
tity can  be  abforbedby  exhalations;  confcquently  they  mulHind 
a  paflage  through  fome  fubterranean  cavities,  deep,  unfathom- 
able, and  never  to  be  explored. 

The  Falls  of  St.  Marie  do  not  defcend  perpendicularly  as  thofe 
of  Niagara  or  St.  Anthony  do,  but  confifl  of  a  rapid  which  con- 
tinues near  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  over  which  canoes  well 
piloted  might  pafs. 

At  the  bottom  of  thefe  Fails,  Nature  has  formed  a  moft  com- 
'ihodious  ftation  for  catching  the  fifli  whicji  are  to  be  found  there 
in  immenfe  quantities.  Perfons  (landing  on  the  rocks  that  lie 
adjacent  to  it,  may  take-^ith  dipping  nets,  about  the  months  of 
September  and  Oftober,  the  white  filTi  before  mentioned;  at 
that  feafon,  (together  with  feveral  other  fpecies,  they  croud  up 
to  this  fpot  in  fuch  amazing  fKoals,  that  enough  may  be  taken 
to  fupply,  when  properly  cured,  thoufandsof  inhabitants  through- 
put the  year. 

The  Straights  of  St.  Mnrie  are  about  forty  miles  long,  bear- 
ing fouth-eart,  but  varying  much  in  their  breadth.  The  current 
between  the  Falls  and  Lake  Huron  is  not  fo  rapid  as  might  be 
expefted,  nor  do  they  prevent  the  navigation  of  ihips  of  bur- 
den as  far  up  as  the  ifland  of  St.  Jofeph. 

It  has  been  obferved  by  travellers  that  the  entrance  into  Lake 
Superior,  from  thefe  Straights,  affords  one  of  thcmoftpleafinr, 
profpefts  in  the  world..  The  place  in  which  this  might  be  view- 
ed to  the  greateft  advantage,  is  jufl  at  the  opening  of  the  lake, 
from  whence  may  be  feen  on  the  left,  many  beautiful  little 
iilands  that  extend  a  confiderable  way  before  you;  and  on  the 
Tight,  an  agreeable  fuccclfion  of  fmall  points  of  land,  that  pro- 
jetl  a  little  way  into  the  water,  and  contribute,  with  the  iflands, 
to  render  this  delightful  bafon  (as  it  might  be  termed)  calm  and 
fccure  from  the  ravages  of  thofe  tempeftuous  winds  by  which 
th  0  adjoining  lake  is  frequently  troubled. 

Lake  Huron,  into  which  you  now  enter  from  the  Straight.'! 
of  St.  Marie,  is  tiie  ne.\t  in  magnitude  to  Lake  Superior.    It 

lies 


*  »# 


» 


t     69    V 

lies  between  forty-two  and  forty-fix  degrees  of  north  latitude* 
and  feventy-nine  and  eigbty-fivc  degrees  of  weft  longitude.  Its 
Ihape  is  nearly  triangular,  and  its  circumfercnceaboutonethou- 
land miles.  .;^  .^v"  i  ^ 

*0\\  the  north  fide  of  it  lies  an  ifland  that  is  remarkable  For 
being  near  an  hundred  miles  in  length,  and  no  more  than  eight 
miles  broad.  This  iiland  is  known  by  the  name  of  Manataulin, 
which  fignitjes  a  Place  of  Spirits,  and  is  confidcred  by  the  In- 
dians as  facrcd  as  thole  already  mentioned  in  Lake  Superior. 

About  the  middle  of  the  fouth-wcfl:  fide  of  this  lake,  is  Sa- 
ganaum  Bay.  The  capes  that  feparate  this  bay  from  the  lake, 
are  about  eighteen  miles  di-ftant  from  each  other;  nearthemid- 
dlci^of  the  intermediate  fpace  ftand  avo  iflands,  which  greatly 
tcndtfj  facilitate  the  paflage  of  canoes  and  fmall  veflels,  by  af- 
fording them  iTiclter,  as  without  this  fecurity  it  would  not  be 
prudent  to  venture  acrofs  fo  wide  a  fea;  and  the  coafl:ing  roun4 
the  bay  jivould  make  the  voyage  long  and'tedious.  This  bay  is 
about  eighty  miles  in  length,  and  in  general  about  eighteen  or 
twenty  miles  broad. 

Nearly  half  way  betv^'cen  Saganaum  Bay  and  the  north-weft 
corner  of  the  Lhkc,  lies  another,  which  is  termed  Thunder 
Bay.  The  Indians,  who  have  frequented  thefe  parts  from  time 
immemorial,  and  every  European  traveller  that  haspalfed  through 
it,  iiave  unanimoully  agreed  to  call  it  by  this  name,  on  account 
of  the  continual  thunder  they  have  always  obferved  here.  The 
bay  is  about  nine  miles  broad,  and  the  fame  in  length,  and 
whilft  I  was  palling  over  it,  which  took  me  up  near  twenty-four 
hours,  it  thundered  and  lightened  during  the  greateil  part  of 
the  time  to  an  excelfivc  degree. 

'There  appeared  to  bo  no  vifible  reafon  for  this  that  I  could 
difcover,  nor  is  the  cc.ntry  in  general  fubjeft  to  thunder;  thtf 
hills  that  Hood  around  were  not  of  a  remarkable  height,  nei- 
ther did  the  external  parts  of  them  feem  to  be  covered witi:  any 
fulphureous  rubrtancc.  But  as  this  phajnomenon  muft  originate 
from  fome  natural  caufe,  1  conjecture  that  the  lliOres  of  the 
bay,  or  the  adjacent  iuountains,  are  either  impregnated  with  an 
uncommon  quantity  of  fulpliurcous  matter,  or  contain  fome  me- 
tal or  mineral  apt  to  attrai^  in  a  great  degree,  the  dleftrical  par- 
ticles that  are  hourly  borne  over  them  by  the  palfant  clouds. 
But  the  iblution  of  this,  and  thofc  other  philofophical  remarks 
which  cafually  occur  throughout  ihcfe  pages,  I  leave  to  the  dif- 
•tunjon  of  abler  heads. 

The  iiOi  iji  Lake  Huron  arc  much  the  fame  as  thofc  in  Lake 
Superior.  Some  of  the  land  on  its  banks  is  very  fertile,  and 
proper  for  cultivation,  but  in  other  parts  it  is.  fandy  and  barren. 
The  promontory  that  feparatcs  this  lake  from  Lake  Michegan, 
is  compuhtd  of  a  vail  plain,  upwards  of  one  hundred  miles  long, 
but  varying  in  its  breadth,  being  from  ten  to  i;ftecn  miles  broad. 
This  tratt,  as  I  have  before  obferved,  is  divided  into  almoll 
«D  etji^jil  portion  between  the  Ottowaw  and  Chipcw^y  Indians. 

At 


I 


ViSr*tr* 


f- 


At  the  north-call  corner  this  lake  has  a  communication  wltlj 
Lake  Michegan,  by  the  Straits  of  Michillimackinac  already  de> 
fcribcd. 

I  had  like  to  have  omitted  a  very  extraordinary  circumftance, 
felative  to  thefe  Straights.  According  to  obfervations  made^jy 
the  French,  whilft  they  were  in  poflelTion  of  the  fort;  although 
there  is  no  diurnal  flood  or  ebb  to  be  perceived  in  thefe  waters, 
yet,  from  an  exadl  attention  to  their  ftate,  a  periodical  alterati- 
on in  them  has  been  difcovcred.  It  was  obferved  that  they 
arofe  by  gradual,  but  almoft  imperceptible  degrees  till  they  had 
yeached  the  height  of  about  three  feet.  This  was  accomplifhed 
in  feven  years  and  a  half;  and  in  the  fame  fpace  they  as  gently 
decreafed,  till  they  had  reached  their  former  fituation;  fo  that 
in  fifteen  years  they  had  completed  this  inexplicable  revolu- 
tion. 

,  At  the  time  I  was  there,  the  truth  of  thefe  obfervations  could 
not  be  confirmed  by  the  EngliiTi,  as  they  had  then  been  only  a 
ffw  years  in  poflfeflion  of  the  fort;  but  they  all  agreed  that  fomc 
alteration  in  the  limits  of  the  Straights  was  apparent.  All  chefc 
lakes  are  fo  afFefted  by  the  winds,  as  fometimes  to  have  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  tide,  according  as  they  happen  to  blow ;  but  this 
is  only  temporary  and  partial. 

A  great  number  of  the  Chlpdway  Indians  livejcattered  around 
this  Lake,  particularly  near  Saganaum  Bay.  0^  its  banks  are 
found  an  amazing  quantity  of  the  fand  ch«rries,  and  in  the  ad- 
jacent country  nearly  the  fame  fruits  as  thofe  that  grow  about 
the  other  lakes. 

From  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie  I  leifurely"  proceeded  back  to 
Michillimackinac,  and  arrived  there  the  beginning  of  Novem- 
ber 1767,  having  been  fourteen  months  on  this  extenfive  tour, 
travelled  near  four  thoufand  miles,  and  vifited  twelve  nations  of 
Indians  lying  to  the  weft  and  north  of  this  place.  The  winter 
fctting  in  foon  after  my  arrival,  I  was  obliged  to  tarry  there 
till  the  June  following,  the  navigation  over  Lake  Huron  for 
largp  velTels  not  being  open,  on  account  of  the  ice,  till  that 
time.  Meeting  here  with  fociable  company,  I  pafled  thefe 
months  very  agreeably,  and  without  finding  the  hours  tedi- 
ous. 

■  One  of  my  chief  amufements  was  that  of  filTiing  for  trouts. 
Though  the  Straights  were  covered  with  ice,  we  found  means 
to  make  holes  through  it,  and  letting  down  (Irong  lines  of  fif- 
teen yards  in  length,  to  which  were  fixed  three  or  four  hooks 
baited  with  the  fmall  fifli  before  defcribed,  we  frequently  caught 
two  at  a  time  of  forty  pounds  weight  each,-  but  the  common 
<ize  is  from  ten  to  twenty  pounds.  Thefe  are  moft  delicioiis 
food.  The  method  of  prcferving  them  during  the  three  months 
the  winter  generally  lafts,  is  by  hanging  them  up  in  the  air;  and 
ill  one  night  they  will  be  froz-jn  fo  hard  that  they  will  keep  as 
well  as  if  they  were  cured  with  fait. 
.  ,-..  .      .  •Ihave 


icatiOB  witij 
:  already  cle> 

:ircumftance, 
ions  made-by 
rt;  although 
thefe  waters, 
lical  alterati- 
ed  that  they 
;  till  they  had 
accomplilhed 
iiey  as  gently 
ition ;  fo  that 
:able  revolu- 

vations  cauld 
1  been,  only  a 
reed  that  feme 
nt.  All  thefc 
)  have  the  ap- 
)low;  but  this 

attered  around 
its  banks  are 
and  in  the  ad- 
it grow  about 

eded  back  to 

bg  of  Novem- 

jxtenfivc  tour, 

Ive  nations  of 

The  winter 

o  tarry  there 

,e  Huron  for 

ice,  till  that 

pafled  thefe 

hours  tecii- 

ig  for  trouts. 
J  found  means 
Ig  lines  of  fif- 
Jr  four  hooks 
[ucntly  caught 

the  common 
loft  delicious 
Ithree  months 

the  air ;  and 
|will  keep  as 

♦  ll»ve 


•  I  have  only  pointed  out  in  the  plan  of  my  travels  the  cir- 
cuit I  made  from  my  leaving  Michillimackinac  till  I  arrived  agaia 
at  that  fort.  Thofe  countries  that  lie  nearer  to  the  colonics  have 
bec:i  fo  often  and  fo  minutely  defer ibed,  that  any  further  ac- 
count of  them  would  be  ufelefs.  I  fhall  therefore  only  give  my 
Readers  in  the  remainder  of  my  journal,  as  I  at  firft  propofed, 
a  defcription  of  the  other  great  lakes  of  Canada,  many  ol' 
which  I  have  navigated  over,  and  relate  at  the  fame  time  a  few 
particular  incidents  that  I  truft  will  not  be  found  inapplicable  or 
unentertaining. 

In  June  1768  I  left  Michillimackinac,  and  returned  in  the 
Gladwyn  Schooner,  a  veflel  of  about  eighty  tons  burthen,  over 
LakeFIuronto  Lake  St.  Claire,  where  we  left  thefliip,  and  pro- 
ceeded in  boats  to  Detroit.  This  lake  is  about  ninety  miles  in 
circumference,  and  by  the  way  of  Huron  River,  which  runs 
from  the  fouth  corner  of  Lake  Huron,  receives  the  waters  of  the 
three  great  lakes,  Superior,  Michegan,  and  Huron.  Its  form 
is  rather  round,  and  in  fome  places  it  is  deep  enough  for  the 
navigation  of  large  veffels,  but  towards  the  middle  of  it  there 
is  a  bar  of  fand,  which  prevents  thofe  that  are  loaded  from 
palling  over  it.  Such  as  are  in  ballaft  only  may  find  waCer 
fufficient  to  carry  them  quite  through  i  the  cargoes,  however,  of 
fuch  as  are  freighted  mail  be  taken  out,  and  after  being  tranf- 
pcrted  acrofs  the  bar  in  boats,   re-ihipped  again. 

The  river  that  runs  from  Lake  St.  Claire  to  Lake  Erie  (or  ra- 
ther the  Straight,  for  thus  it  might  be  termed  from  its  name) 
is  called  Detroit,  which  is  in  French,  the  Straight.  It  runs 
nearly  fouth,  has  a  gentle  current,  and  depth  of  water  fuffici- 
ient  for  iTiips  of  confiderable  burthen.  The  town  of  Detroit  is 
fituated  on  the  wertern  banks  of  this  river,  about  nine  miles  be 
low  Lake  St.  Claire.  ':;■■' 

Almoft  oppollte  on  the  eaftern  fhore,  is  the  village  of  the  an- 
cient Hurons :  a  tribe  of  Indians  which  have  been  treated  of  by 
fo  many  writers,  that  adhering  to  the  reftriftions  I  have  laid 
myfelf  under  of  only  defcribing  places  and  people  Utile  known, 
or  incidents  that  have  pafled  unnoticed  by  others,  I  Ihall  omit 
giving  a  defcription  of  them.  A  milTionaryof  the  order  of  Car- 
thufian  Friars,  by  permiifion  of  the  biihop  of  Canada,  refides 
among  them.  ' 

The  banks  of  the  River  Detroit,  both  above  and  belowthefc 
towns,  are*  covered  with  fettlements  that  extend  more  than 
twenty  miles;  the  country  being  exceedingly  fruitful,  and  pro- 
per for  the  cultivation  of  wheat,  Indian  corn,  oats  and  peas, 
it  has  alfo  many  fpots  of  fine  pailurage;  but  as  the  inhabitants, 
who  are  chiefly  French  that  fubmitted  to  the  Engliih  govern- 
ment, after  the  conqueft  of  thefe  parts  by  General  Amherft,  are 
more  attentive  to  the  Indian  trade  than  to  farming,  it  is  but 
badly  cultivated. 

The  town  of  Detroit  contains  upwards  of  one  hundred  houfes. 
The  ftrects  are  fpmewhat  regular,  and  have  a  range  of  very  con- 

vcnicot 


.^'. 


W 


\Mm 


[     72     1  * 

Tcnfenf  and  handrome  barracks,  with  a  fpaciouf  parade  at  the 
foiith  end.  On  the  weft  fide  lies  the  King's  garden,  belonging 
to  the  governor,  which  is  very  well  laid  qiit  and  kept  fn  good 
order.  The  fortifications  of  the  town  confift  of  a  flrong  ftock- 
ade,  made  of  round  piles,  fixed  iinnly  in  the  ground,  and  lined 
with  palifades.  Thefc  are  defended  by  fome  fmall  ballions,  on 
which  arc  mounted  a  few  indifferent  cannon  of  an  inconiiderablc 
fize,  juft  (ufficicnt  for  it«  defence  aguinll  the  Indians,  or  an  ene- 
my not  provided  with  artillery. 

The  garrifon,  in  time  of  peace,  confifts  of  two  hundred  men, 
commanded  by  a  field  officer,  who  atfts  as  chief  magiftrate  under 
the  governor  of  Canada.  Mr.  Turnbull,  captain  of  the  6oth 
regiment,  or  Royal  Americans,  was  commandant  when  I  hap- 
pened to  be  there.  This  gentleman  was  dcfervedly  efteemed 
and  rclpecled,  both  by  the  inhabitants  and  traders,  for  the  pro- 
priety of  his  conduft;  and  lam  happy  to  have  an  opportunity 
oi  thus  publickly  making  my  acknowledgments  to  him  for  the 
civilities  I  received  from  him  during  my  llay. 

In  the  year  1762,  in  the  month  of  July,  it  rained  on  this  town 
and  the  parts  adjacent,  a  fiilphurcous  water  of  the  colour  and 
confidence  of  ink ;  fome  of  which  being  collected  into  bottles, 
and  wrote  with  appeared  pcrfeftly  intelligible  on  thepapcr,  and 
anfwered  every  purpofe  of  that  ufoful  liquid.  .  Soon  after,  the 
Indian  wars  already  fpokcn  of,  broke  out  in  thcfe  parts.  Imean 
not  to  fay  that  this  incident  was  ominous  of  them,  notv/ithftand- 
ing  it  is  well  known  that  innumerable  well  attcllcd  inftances  of 
extraordinary  phoenomena  happening  before  extraordinary 
events,  have  been  recorded  in  almoil  every  age  by  hiiloriansof 
veracity;  I  only  relate  the  circumdances  as  a  fa6t  of  which  I 
was  informed  by  many  pcrfons  of  undoubted  probity,  and  leave 
my  readers,  as  1  have  hiilicrto  done,  to  drav/  their  own  con- 
clufiorrs  frora.it.       '':..■  ' 

Pontiac,  under  whom  the  party  that  fnrprized  Fort  ^Michilll- 
faackinac,  as  related  in  the  former  part  of  this  work,  a(5ted,  was 
an  cnterprizing  chief  or  hcad-warfior  of  the  IVIianics.  During 
the  late  war  between  the  Englilli  and  the  French,  he  had  been  a 
l!cady  friend  to  the  latter,  and  continued  his  inveteracy  to 
the  former,  even  after  peace  had  been  concluded  between  thcfe 
two  nations.  ,  Unwilling  to  put  nn  end  to  the  depredations  he 
had  been  lb  long  engaged  in,  he  coUcftcd  an  army  of  confe- 
derate Indians,  confilting  of  the  nations  before  enumerated,  with 
an  intention  to  renew  the  war.  However,  indcad  of  openly 
attacking  the  Englilli  lettlemeiiL",  he  laid  a  fcheme  for  taking  by 
iurprize  thofc  forts  on  the  extremities  which  they  had  lately 
gained  pt>Iicflion  of. 

How  well  the  party  he  detached  to  take  Fort  Michillimacki- 
nac  fucceeded,  the  reader  already  knows.  To  get  into  his  bands 
Detroit,  a  place  of  greater  confcquencc,  and  much  better 
guarded,  required  greater  refolution,  and  more  confummatc 
art.  He  of  cuurfc  took  the  management  of  this  expedition  on 
.    .  iiimfelfg 


[    73    1 

Wmfelf,  and  drew  near  it  with  the  principal  body  of  his  troops. 
He  was  however  prevented  from  carrying  his  defigns  into  exe- 
cution by  an  apparently  trivial  and  unforefcen  circumftance.  On 
I'uch  does  the  fate  of  mighty  Empires  frequently  depend ! 

The  town  of  Detroit,  when  Pontiac  formed  his  plan,  was  gar- 
rifoned  by  about  three  hundred  men,  commanded  by  Major 
Gladwynv  a  gallant  officer.  As  at  that  time  every  appearance 
of  war  was  at  an  end,  and  the  Indians  Teemed  to  be  on  a  friend-* 
ly  footing,  Pontiac  approached  the  Fort,  without  exciting  any 
fufpicions  in  the  breaft  of  the  governor  or  the  inhabitants.  He 
encamped  at  a  little  diilance  from  it,  and  fent  to  let  the  com- 
mandant know  that  he  was  come  to  trade ;  and  being  deHrous 
of  brightening  the  chain  of  peace  between  the  Englilli  and  his 
nation,  defired  that  he  and  his  chiefs  might  be  admitted  to  hold 
a  council  with  him.  The  governor  ftill  unfufpicious,  and  not 
in  the  lead  doubting  th<i  fincerity  of  the  Indians,  granted  their 
general's  requcA,  and  fixed  on  the  next  morning  for  their  re- 
ception. 

The  evening  of  that  day,  an  Indian  woman  who  had  been  em- 
ployed by  Major  GUdwyn,  to  make  him  a  pair  of  Indian  (hoes, 
out  of  curious  elk-skin,  brought  them  home.  The  Major  was 
fo  pleafed  with  thetn,  that,  intending  thefe  as  a  prefent  for  a 
fiiend,  he  ordered  her  to  take  the  remainder  back,  and  make 
it  into  others  for  himfelf.  He  then  direfted  his  fcrvant  to  pay 
her  tor  thofe  (he  had  done,  and  difmiffed  her.  The  woman 
went  to  the  door  that  led  to  the  ftreet,  but  no  further;  (ho 
there  loitered  about  as  if  fhe  had  not  finilhed  the  bufinefs  on 
which  Old  came.  A  I'ervant  at  length  obferved  her,  and  asked 
her  why  fhe  itaid  there ;  fhe  gave  him,  however,  no  anfwer.     , 

Some  Ihort  time  after,  the  governor  himfelf  faw  her;  and  en- 
quired of  his  fervant  what  occafioned  her  Hay.  Not  being  able 
to  get  a  fatisfaftory  anlwcr,  he  ordered  the  womwi  to  be  cal- 
led in.  When  Ihe  came  into  his  prefence  he  defiwd  to  know 
what  was  the  reafon  of  her  loitering  about,  and  not  haftening 
home  before  the  gates  were  Ihut,  that  Ihe  miglit  complete  in 
due  time  the  wci'k  he  had  given  her  to  do.  She  told  him,  after 
much  hefitation,  that  as  he  had  always  behaved  with  great  good- 
nefs  towards  her,  Ihe  was  unwilling  to  take  away  the  remainder 
of  the  skin,  becaufe  he  put  fo  great  a  value  upon  it;  and  yec 
had  not  bten  able  to  prevail  upon  herfelf  to  tell  him  fo.  Ho 
then  asked  her,  why  Ihe  was  more  reluftant  to  do  fo  now,  than 
fhe  had  been  when  fhe  made  the  former  pair.  With  increafod 
relu^ance  fhe  answered,  that  ihe  never  fhould  be  able  to  bring 
them  back. 

His  curiofity  being  now  excited,  he  infifted  on  her  dliTclolin^ 
tor  him  the  fecret  that  leemed  to  be  flruggling  in  her  bofom  fox 
utterance.  At  lail,  on  receiving  a  promile  that  the  intelligeioice 
ihe  was  about  to  give  him  fhould  not  turn  to  her  prejudice,  and 
that  if  it  appeared  to  be  beneticial  fhe  ihouldbcrt^tfiaxded  fof  it, 
fhe  informed  him,  that  at  the  council  t9  be  hel^  wlih  the  4i> 


% 


.-#. 


I    74    1 

dians  the  following  day,  Pontiac  and  hi?  chiefs  Intended  tomnr- 
dcr  him;  and,  after  having  maffacfed  the  garrifon  and  inhabi- 
tants, to  plunder  the  town.  That  for  this  purpofeall  the  chiefs 
who  were  to  be  admitted  into  the  council-room  had  cut  their 
guns  lliort,  fo  that  they  could  conceal  them  under  their  blan- 
kets ;  with  which,  at  a  fignal  given  by  their  general,  on  deliver- 
ing the  belt,  they  were  ail  to  rife  up,  and  inftantly  to  f5re  on 
ban  and  his  attendants.  Having  effected  this,  they  were  imme- 
diately to  rufh  into  the  town,  where  they  would  find  themfelves 
fupportcd  by  a  great  number  of  their  warriors,  that  were  to 
come  into  it  during  the  fitting  of  the  council,  under  pretence  of 
trading,  but  privately  armed  in  the  fame  manner.  Having  gain- 
ed from  the  woman  every  neceffary  particular  relative  to  the 
plot,  and  alfo  the  means  by  which  fKe  acquire!  a  knowledge  of 
them,  he  difmiflied  her  with  injunftions  of  fecrecy,  and  a  pro- 
mife  of  fulfilling  on  his  part  with  punftuality  the  engagements 
he  had  entered  into.  .     <.  , 

The  intelligence  the  governor  had  juft  received,  gave  him 
great  uneafincfs ;  and  he  immediately  confulted  the  officer  who 
was  next  to  him  in  command  on  the  fubjeft.  But  that  gentle- 
man confidering.  the  information  as  a  ftory  invented  for  fome 
artful  purpofes,  advifed  him  to  pay  no  attention  to  it.  This 
conclulion  however  had  happily  no  weight  with  him.  Bethought 
it  prudent  to  concKide  it  to  be  true,  till  he  was  convinced  that 
it  was  not  fo;  and  therefore,  without  revealing  his  fufpicions 
to  any  other  perfon,  he  took  every  needful  precaution  that  the 
time  would  admit  of  He  walked  round  the  fort  during  the 
whole  night,  and  faw  himfelf  that  every  ccntinel  was  on  duty, 
and  every  weapon  of  defence  in  proper  order. 

As  he  traverfed  the  jamparts  which  lay  neareft  to  the  Indian 
camp,  he  heard  them  in  high  feftivity,  and,  little  imagining  that 
their  plot  was  difcovcred,  probably  pleaiing  themfelves  with 
the  anticipation  of  their  fuccefs.  As  foon  as  the  morning 
dawned,  he  ordered  all  the  garrifon  under  arms;  and  then  im- 
parting iiis  apprehenlions  to  a  few  of  the  principal  officers,  gave 
them  fuch  directions  as  he  thought  neceffary.  At  the  fame  time 
he  fent  round  to  all  the  traders,  to  inform  them,  that  as  it  wg^s 
cxpcfted  a  great  number  of  Indians  would  enter  the  town  thdt 
day,  who  might  be  inclined  to  plunder,  he  defired  they  would 
liave  their  arms  ready,  and  repel  every  attempt  of  that  kind.  - 

About  ten  o'clock,  Pontiac  and  his  chiefs  arrived;  and  were 
condufted  to  the  council-chamber,  where  the  governor  and  his 
pj-incipal  olHcers,  each  with  pillols  in  their  belts,  awaited  his 
arrival.  As  ihc  Indians  palfed  on,  they  could  not  help  obferv- 
i%  that  a  greater  number  of  troops  than  ufual  were  drawn  up 
on  the  parade,  or  marching  about.  No  fooher  were  they  erf- 
tered,  and  feated  on  the  skins  prepared  for  them,  than  Pohti*c 
aiked  the  governor  on  what  occalion  his  young  men,  meaning 
Che  foldicrs,  wtre  thus  drawn  up,  and  parading  the  ftreets.  He 
.■  ».n^,rf^  *»'-  -*  »•■  •■-!-  :%*.  ,^  '-r  .■'~^^-  .         ■  received 


.■x'>i/K-t>'^..i^^.H 


if 


>■»» 


'*• 


I    15    1^^  ,.v 

received  for  anfwcr,  that  it  was  only*  fhtfetided  to  keep  tlielft 
perfedl  in  their  exercifc. 

The  Indian  chief-warrior  now  began  his  fpeech,  which  con- 
tained the  ftrongcft  profcflions  of  friendfliip  and  good-will  to- 
wards the  Englilh;  and  when  he  came  to  the  delivery  of  the 
belt  of  wampum,  the  particular  mode  of  which,  according  to 
the  woman's  information,  was  to  be  the  fignal  for  his  chiefs  to 
lire,  the  governor  and  all  his  attendants  drew  their  fwords  half- 
way out  of  their  fcabbards;  and  the  foldiers  at  the  fame  inlbnt 
made  a  clattering  with  thci.  arms  before  the  doors,  which  had 
been  purpofely'  left  open.  Pontiac,  though  one  of  the  boldeft 
of  men,  immediately  turned  pale,  and'trembled;  and  inftead  of 
giving  the  belt  in  the  manner  propofed,  delivered  it  according 
to  the  ufual  way.  His  chiefs,  who  had  impatiently  expeftcd 
the  fignal,  looked  at  each  other  with  aftoniflinient,  but  conti- 
nued quiet,  waiting  the  reliilt. 

The  governor  in  his  turn  made  a  fpeech;  but  inftead  of 
thanking  the  great  warrior  for  the  profcflions  of  friendihip  he 
had  juft  uttered,  he  accufcd  him  of  being  a  traitor.  He  told 
him  that  the  Englift,  who  knew  every  thing,  were  convinced 
of  his  treachery  and  villainous  defigns ;  and  as  a  proof  that 
they  were  well  acquainted  with  his  moft  fecret  thoughts  and 
intentiojis,  he  ftepped  towards  the  Indian  chief  that  fat  neareft 
to  him,  and  drawing  afidc  his  blanket  difcovered  the  Aortened 
iirclock.  This  entirely  difconcerted  the  Indians,  and  fruArated 
their  delign. 

He  then  continued  to  tell  them,  that  as  he  had  given  his  word 
at  the  time  th^  defired  an  audience,  that  their  perfons  fliould 
be  fafe,  he  would  hold  his  promife  inviolable,  though  they  fq 
little  deferved  it.  However  he  advifed  them  to  make  the  beft 
of  their  way  out  of  the  fort,  left  his  young  men,  on  bein^tac^i 
quainted  with  their  treacherous  purpofes,  Ihould  cut  every  one 
of  them  to  pieces. 

Pontiac  endeavoured  to  contradifb  the  accufation,  and  to 
make  excufes  for  his  fufpicious  conduft;  but  the  governor,  fa* 
tistied  of  the  falfity  of  his  proteftations,  would  not  liften  to 
hifli.  The  Indians  immediately  left  the  fort,  but  inftead  of  be* 
ing  fenblile  of  the  governor's  generous  behaviour,  they  threw 
off  the  mask,  and  the  next  day  made  a  regular  attack  up- 
6n  it. 

Major  Gladwyn  has  not  cfcaped  cenfure  for  this  miftakcn  le- 
nity; for  probably  had  he  kept  a  few  of  the  principal  chiefs* 
prifoners,  whilit  he  had  them  in  his  powtr,  he  might  have  been 
able  to  have  brought  the  whole  confederacy  to  terms,  and  have 
brought  the  whole  confederacy  to  terms,  and  have  prevented  a 
war.  But  he  atoned  for  this  overiight,  by  the  gallant  defence 
he  made  for  more  than  a  'year,  amidft  a  VAriety  of  difcou- 
ragements. 

During  that  period  fome  very  fmart  skirmiftes  happened  be- 


tween the 


bcfici^ 


ers  and  the  garrifon,   of  which  the  following 

was 


iP- 


t    7«    5 

fras  the  prfneiptl  and  moft  bloody :  Captain  Dehel,  a  brave  of- 
ficer, prevailed  on  the  governor  to  give  him  the  coinm|itid  of 
about  two  hundred  men,  and  to  permit  him  to  attack  mt  ene- 
my's camp.  This  being  complied  with,  he  fillled  from  the 
town  before  day-break;  but  Pontiac,  receiving  from  fome  of 
his  fwift-footed  warriors,  who  were  conftantly  employed  in 
watching  the  motions  of  the  garrifon,  timely  jnteliigcncc  of 
their  defign,  he  collcfted  together  the  choiceft  of  his  troops, 
and  met  the  detachment  at  fome  diilance  from  his  camp,  near  a 
place  fince  called  f>loody-Bridge. 

As  the  Indians  were  vaftly  fnperior  in  numbers  to  captain 
Delzels  party,  he  was  foon  over-powerfed  and. driven  back. 
Being  now  nearly  furrounded,  he  made  a  vigorous  effort  to  re- 
gain the  bridge  he  had  juft  crofled,  by  which  alone  he  could 
tind  a  retreat;  but  in  doing  this  he  loft  his  life,  and  many  of 
Ins  men  fell  with  him.  Howcsver,  Major  Rogers,  the  fecond 
in  command,  affifted  by  Lieutenant  Breham,  found  means  to 
draw  off  the  fhattered  remains  of  their  little  army,  and  coii- 
dufted  them  into  the  fort. 

Thus  confiderably  reduced,  it  was  with  difficulty  the  Majot 
could  defend  the  town ;  notwithftanding  which,  he  he)d  out 
againft  the  Indians  till  he  was  relieved,  as  after  this  they  made 
but  few  attacks  on  the  place,  and  only  continued  to  blockade 
it.  . 

•  The  Gladwyn  Schooner  (that  in  which  1  afterwards  took  my 
paiTage  from  Michillimackinac  to  Detroit,  and  which  I  fince  learn 
was  loft  with  all  her  crew  on  Lake  Eric,  through  the  obftinacy 
of  the  commander,  who  could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  take  in 
fufficient  ballaft)  arrived  about  this  time  near  the  town  with  a 
reinforcement  and  nccelTary  Aipplies.  But  before  this  vefl'cl 
could  reach  the  place  of  its  deftination,  it<#as  mofl  vigoroully 
attacked  by  a  detachment  from  Pontiac's  army.  The  Indians 
furrounded  it  in  their  canoes,  and  made  greut  havock  among 
the  crew. 

At  length  the  captain  of  the  fchooncr,  with  a  confiderable 
number  of  his  men  being  killed,  and  the  favagcs  beginning  to 
climb  up  the  fides  from  every  quarter,  the  Lieutenant  ("Mr.  Ja- 
cobs, who  afterwards  commanded,  and  was  loft  in  it)  being  de- 
termined that  the  fi:ores  fliould  not  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands, 
and  feeing  no  other  alternative,  ordered  the  gunner  to  fet  fire  to 
the  powder-room,  and  blow  the  ihip  up.  This  order  was  on  the 
point  of  being  executed,  when  a  chief  of  the  Hurons,  whoun- 
derftood  the  Englifh  language,  gave  out  to  his  friends  the  In- 
tention of  the  commander.  On  receiving  this  intelligence,  the 
Indians  hurried  down  the  fides  of  the  fhip  with  the  grcateft pre- 
cipitation, and  got  as  far  from  it  %s  polTible;  whilft  the  com-  . 
Blander  immediately  took'advantaffc  of  their  confternation,  and 
arrived  without  any  further  obftxuftion  at  the  town.  ^. 

This  feafonable  fupply  gave  the  garrifon  frefti  fpirlts;  and 
Pontiac  being  now  convinced  that  it  would  not  be  in  his  po^-^er 


r  77  1 


,1/ 


ft 


to  reduce  the  place,  prop o fed  an  accomroodatian;  the  govcta* 
or  wilhlnff  as  much  to  fict  rid  of  fuch  troubleromc  enemies^ 
who  obilruclcd  the  wtercomTe  of  the  traders  with  the  iicif^h- 
hoiiring  nations,  liftencd  to  his  propofals,  and  having  procured 
advantageous  tcflRS,  agreed  to  a  peace.  The  Indiaus  foon-ftcr 
feparated,  anJ  returned  to  their  diflTcient  provinces;  nor  liavc 
they  iuice  thouglit  proper  to  dilhiib,  at  Icaft  in  any  great  de- 
gree, the  tranquiUIty  of  thcfc  parts. 

Poutiac  henceforward  feeined  to  have  laid  afide  the  aniniofity 
he  had  hitherto  borne  towards  the  Englilh,  und  apparently  be- 
came their  zealous  friend.  To  reward  this  new  attactwincnt, 
and  to  infure  a  contiituancc  of  it,  fiovcrnment  allowed  him  <i 
handfoine  penfion.  But  liis  reftlcfs  and  intriguing  fpirit  would 
not  luffcr  hiin  to  be  grateful  for  this  ;iilowancc,  and  Jiii  conduft 
at  length  grew  fufpicious;  fo  that  going,  in  the  year  1767,  to 
hold  a  council  in  the  country  of  the  Illinois,  a  faithful  Indian, 
who  was  either  coinmifljoncd  by  one  of  the  Knglilli  governors, 
rir  iniHgated  by  the  love  lie  bore  the  KngliiTi  nation,  'rttendci 
him  as  a  fpy;  and  being  convinced  from  the  fpeech  Pontiacmade 
in  the  council,  that  he  llill  retained  his  former  prejudice.;  againft 
thuie  for  whom  he  now  profeflTed  a  fiiendfliip.  he  plunged  hij 
Knllc  into  his  heart,  as  loon  as  he  had  done  Ipeaking,  and  laid 
him  dead  on  the  fpot.     But  to  return  from  this  digreillon. 

Lake  Erie  receives  the  waters  by  which  it  is  fupplicJ  from 
the  three  great  lakes,  through  the  Straights  of  Detroit,  that  lia 
at  its  nonli-weft  corner.  This  lake  is  fituated  between  forty- 
one  and  forty-three  degrees  of  north  latitude,  and  between  fe- 
venty-eight  and  eighty-three  degrees  of  weft  longitude.  It  is 
near  300  miles  long  from  eaft  to  weft,  and  about  forty  in  its 
broadeft  part:  and  a  remarkable  long  narrow  point  lies  on  its 
north  lide,  that  projeds  for  fevcral  miles  into  the  lake  towards 
the  fouth-eall. 

There  are  fevcral  iflands  near  the  weft  end  of  it  fo  Infefted 
with  rattle-fnakes,  .that  it  is  very  dangerous  to  land  on  them. 
It  is  impolBuIc  that' any  place  can  produce  a  greater  number  of 
all  kind*  of  thefe  reptiles  than  this  does,  particularly  of  thewa- 
ter-fnake.  The  Lake  is  covered  near  the  banks  of  the  illands 
with  the  large  pond-lily;  the  leaves  of  which  lie  on  the  furfacc 
of  the  water  fo  thick,  as  to  cover  it  entirely  for  majiy  acres  to- 
gether; and  on  each  of  thefe  lay,  when!  paflcdover  it,  wreaths 
of  watcr-fnakes  basking  in  the  fun,  which  amoiinted  to  myriads. 

The  nioft  remarkable  of  the  dift'erent  fpecies  that  infeft  this 
lake,  is  the  hifling-fnake,  which  is  of  the  fmall  Ipecklcd  kind, 
and  about  eighteen  inches  long.  When  any  thing  approaches, 
it  flattens  iti'elf  in  a  moment,  and  its  fpots,  which  are  of  vari- 
^ousdyes,  become  vifibly  brighter  through  ra^e;  at  the  fame 
time  it  blow^-Jfom  its  mouth,  with  great  force,  a  fubtiie  wind, 
that  is  reported  to  be  of  a  naufeous  fmell;  aod  if  drawn  in 
with  the  breath  oftpthe  unwary  traveller,  \yill  infallibly  bring  on 
a  lifeline,  that  in  a  few  months  muft  prove  mortal,  there  being 


# 


'% 


r  7«  1 

m  fcmedy  yet  difcovered  which  can  counteraA-its  baneful  in* 
fiucnce. 

The  Hones  and  pebbles  on  the  fhorcs  of  this  lake  are  moft  of 
them  tinged,  in  a  greater  or  lefs  degree,  with  fpois  that  re- 
fcmble  brafs  in  their  colour,  but  which  are  tfl  a  more  fulphu- 
leous  nature.  Small  pieces,  about  the  fize  of  hazle-nuts,  of 
the  fame  kinds  of  ore,  are  found  on  the  fands  that  lie  on  its 
banks,  and  under  the  water. 

The  navigation  of  this  lake  is  efleemed  more  dangerous  than 
any  of  the  others,  on  account  of  many  high  lands  that  lie  on  the 
borders  of  it,  and  projeft  into  the  water,  in  a  perpendicular  di- 
jeftion  for  many  miles  together  j  fo  thatwhenevcr  fuddenftornis 
arife,  canoes  and  boats  are  frequently  lo(^,  as  there  is  no  place 
for  thera.to  find  a  fliclter. 

This  Lake  difcharges  its  waters  at  the  north-eaft  end,  into 
the  River  Niagara,  which  runs  north  and  fouth,  and  is  about 
thirty-fix  miles  in  length;  from  whence  it  falls  into  Lake  Onta- 
rio. Ac  the  entrance  of  this  river,  on  its  eaftern  iliore,  lies 
Fort  Niagara;  and,  about  eighteen  miles  further  up,  thofe  re- 
markable Falls  which  are  efteemed  one  of  the  moft  extraordina- 
ly  produftions  of  nature  at  prefent  known. 

As  thefe  have  been  vifited  by  fo  many  travellers,  and  fo  fre- 
quently dcfcribed,  I  lliall  omit  giving  a  particular  dcfcriptiqn  of 
ihem,  and  only  obfervc,  that  the  waters  by  which  they  are  fiip- 
plied,  after  taking  their  rifq  near  two  thoutand  miles  to  the 
north-weft,  and  pafling  through  the  Lakes  Superior,  Michegan, 
Huron,  and  Erie,  during  which  they  have  been  receiving  con- 
ftant  accumulations,  at  length  rulh  down  a  ftupendous  precipice 
of  one  hundred  and  forty  feet  perpendicular;  and  in  a  ftrong 
K«apid,  that  extends  to  the  diftance  of  eight  or  nine  miles  below, 
fall  nearly  as  much  more :  this  River  foon  after  eiftpties  itfelf 
into  Lake  Ontario. 

The  noife  of  thefe  Falls  may  be  heard  an  amazing  way.  I 
could  plainly  diftinguilli  them  in  a  calm  morning  more  than 
twenty  miles.  Others  have  faid  that  at  particular  times,  and 
when  the  wind  fits  fair,  the  found  of  them  reaches  fifteen 
leagues. 

The  land  about  the  Falls  is  exceedingly  hilly  and  uneven,  but 
the  greateft  part  of  that  on  the  Niagara  River  is  very  good, 
efpecially  for  grafs  and  pafturage. 

Fort  Niagara  ftands  nearly  at  the  entrance  of  the  weft  end  of 
Lake  Ontario,  and  on  the  eall  part  of  the  Straights  of  Niaga- 
«a.  It  was  taken  from  the  French  in  the  year  J 759,  by  the 
forces  under  the  command  of  Sir  William  Johnfon,  and  at  pre- 
fent is  defended  by  a  confiderable  garrifon. 

Lake  Ontario  is  the  next,  and  leaft  of  the  five  great  Lakes , 
of  Canada.     Its  fituation  is  between  forty-three  and  forty-fiv«fe'r , 
degrees  of  latitude,    and  between  feventy-fix  and  feventy-nind 
degrees  of  weft  longitude.     The  form  of  it  is  nearly  oval,^  it-i  ^ 
greate^l  length  being  from  north-eaft  to  fouth-weft,  and  in  tnr***  V 

tt-  cumfexencc, 


«  1  '  l\ 

t     79    ] 

cumfcrcnce,  about  fix  hundred  n\ilcs.  Near  the  fouth-eaft  pare 
it  receives  the  waters  of  the  Ofwego  River,  and  on  the  north- 
eaft  difchargjgs  iti'elf  into  the  River  Cataraqul.  Not  far  from 
the  place  where  it  iirues,  Fort  Frontcnac  formerly  ftood,  which 
was  taken  from  the  French  during  the  laft  war,  in  the  year  1758, 
by  a  fmall  army  of  Provincials  under  Col.  Bradftrcet. 

At  the  entrance  of  Olwego  river  ftands  a  fort  of  the  fame 
name,  garrifoned  only  at  prefent  by  an  inconfiderable  party. 
This  fort  was  taken  in  the  year  1756.  by  the  French,  when  a 
great  part  of  the  garrifon,  which  conHftcd  of  the  late  Shirley's 
and  Pepperii  s  regiments,  were  malFacred  in  cold  blood  by  th{9 
favages.         .v  ^.m,:.    .:    ..  V,    •,  „•.    /•   jf^.'. 

In  Lake  Ontario  are  taken  many  forts  of  fifli,  among  which 
is  the  Ofwego  Bals,  of  an  excellent  flavour,  and  weighijjg  about 
three  or  four  pounds.  There  is  alfo  a  fort  called  the  Cathead 
or  Pout,  which  are  in  general  very  large,  fomeof  them  weigh- 
ing eight  or  ten  pounds;  and  they  areelleeraed  a  rare  dilTi  when 
properly  drefled. 

On  the  north-weft  part  of  this  Lake,  and  to  the  fouth-eaftof 
Lake  Huron,  is  a  tribe  of  Indians  called  Miflifauges,  whofa 
town  is  denominated  Toronto,  from  the  lake  on  which  it  lies; 
but  they  arc  not  W{:ty  numerous.  The  country  about  Lake  On- 
tario, efpecially  the  more  north  and  eailern  parts,  is  compofed 
of  good  land,  and  in  time  may  make  very  douriihing  fettle* 
inents. 

The  Oniada  Lake,  fituated  near  the  head  of  the  River  Ofwe- 
go, receives  the  waters  of  Wood-Creek,  which  takes  its  rife 
not  far  from  the  Mohawks  River.  Thefe  two  lie  fo  adjacent 
to  each  other,  that  a  junftion  is  effefted  by  fluicesat  Fort  Stan- 
wix,  about  twelve  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  former.  This 
lake  is  about  thirty  miles  long  from  eaftto  weft,  and  near  fifteen 
broad.     The  country  around  it  belongs  to  the  Oniada  Indians. 

Lake  Champlain,  the  next  in  flze  to  Lake  Ontario,  and  which 
lies  nearly  eaft  from  it,  is  about  eighty  miles  in  length,  north 
and  fouth,  and  in  its  broadcft  part  fourteen.  It  is  well  ftored 
with  fifh,  and  the  lands  that  lie  on  ail  the  borders  of  it,  or 
about  its  rivers,  very  good. 

Lake  George,  formerly  called  by  the  French  Lake  St.  Sacra- 
ment, lies  to  the  fouth  weft  of  the  lafl-mentioned  lake,  and  is 
about  thirty-rive  miles  long  from  north-eaft  to  Ibuth-weft,  but 
of  no  great  breadth.  The  country  around  it  is  very  mountai- 
nous, but  in  thq  vallies  the  land  is  tolerably  good. 

When  thefe  two  lakes  were  firfl  difcovered,  they  were  known- 
by  no  other  name  than  that  of  the  Iroquois  Lakes ;  and  I  be*, 
lieve  in  the  firft  plans  taken  of  thofe  parts  were  fo  denominated. 
The  Indians  alio  that  were  then  called  the  Iroquois,  are  fhic^ 
fcpown  by  the  name  of  the  Five  Mohawk  nations,  and  the|^- 
hWks  of  Can^a.  In  the  late  war,  the  former,  which  comsf; 
of  the  Onondagoes,  the  Oniadas,  the  Senecas,  the  Tufcarories, 
md  lioQndocki^fou^ht  on  the  lide  of  the  Englifh ;  the  latter, 

which 


r<*. 


'i 


t 


w 


♦. 


^$t^: 


C    8a    1 

tirhich  arc  called  the  Cohnawagliaus,  and  St.  Francis  ItidUne, 
joiiK'd  the  French.  >; 

A  valt  trad  of  land  that  lies  between  t!ic  two  lal!  mentioned 
■  lakes,  and  Luke  Ontario,  was  granted  in  the  year  1629,  by  the 
Plymouth  Company,  under  a  patent  they  had  received  t'rori 
King  Jumcs  I.  to  Sir  Ferdinando  Gorges,  and  to  Captain  Joim 
Malbn,  the  head  of  that  family,  afterwards  diitinguilhed  from 
others  of  tlie  fume  name  by  the  Mafons  of  Connc<flicut.  Tiie 
coimtrics  fpcciried  in  this  grant  are  faid  to  begin  ten  miles  from 
the  heads  of  the  rivers  that  run  from  ths  ealt  and  Ibuth  into 
Lake  George  and  hake  Champlain ;  and  continuing  from  tiici'e 
in  a  direct  line  weftward,  extend  to  the  middle  of  Lake  Qnta- 
lio;  from  thence,  being  bounded  by  the  Cataraqui,  or  river  of 
the  Iroquois,  they  take  their  couife  to  Montreal,  as  far  as  Fori 
.Sorrcll,  which  lies  at  the  junction  of  this  river  with  the  Rich- 
lieu;  and  from  that  point  are  inclofcd  by  the  lali-mentioned  ri- 
ver till  it  returns  back  to  the  two  lakes. 

This  immenle  fpacc  was  granted,  by  the  name  of  the  Pro- 
vince of  Laconia,  to  the  aforefaid  gentlemen  on  fpeciiied  con- 
ditions, and  under  certain  penalties,-  but  none  of  thcfeamouji:- 
cd,  in  cafe  of  omilHon  in  the  ful/illment  of  any  part  of  them,^ 
to  forfeiture,  a  fine  only  could  bo  cxafted. 

On  account  of  the  continual  wars  to  which  thefc  parts  hava 
been  fubjeiit,  from  their  lituation  between  the  fettlenients  of  the 
Engli,  the  French,  and  the  Indians,  this  grant  has  been  futfcred 
to  lie  dormant  by  the  real  proprietors.  Notwithllanding  which, 
fcveral  towns  have  been  fettled  fince  the  late  war,  on  the  bor- 
ders of  Lake  Champlain,  and  grants  made  to  dilVerent  people 
by  the  governor  of  New-Vork,  of  part  of  thclc  territories, 
wh'ch  are  now  become  annexed  to  tliat  province. 

There  are  a  greai  number  of  lakes  on  the  north  of  Canada, 
between  Labrador,  LaK;c  Superior;  and  Iludfon's  Bay,  but 
rhefe  are  comparatively  fmall.  As  they  lie  ont  of  the  track  that 
I  puifued,  I  lliall  only  give  a  fummary  account  of  them.  The 
moil  weflcriy  of  thefe  are  the  Lakes  Nipifing  and  Tamifcaming. 
The  i'lrle  lies  at  the  head  of  the  French  River,  and  runs  into 
Lake  Huron;  the  other  on  the  Otfowaw  River,  which  empties 
kl'clf  into  the  Cataraqui,  at  Montreal.  Tliefe  Laivcs  are  each 
iibout  one  hundred  miles  in  circumference. 

The  next  is  Lake  Alillallin,  on  the  head  of  Rupert's  River, 
th..c  falls  ."nto  James's  Kay.  This  La];e  is  fo  irregular  from  the 
large  pointi;  of  land  by  which  it  is  interlcded  on  every  fide, 
that  it  is  dilh!ciilt  either  to  del'cribe  its  lliape,  or  to  afccrtaiu  its 
Ihic.  it  howev^cr  appears  on  the  whole  to  be  more  than  two 
hundred  miles  In  circumfcrcjice. 

Lake  St.  John,  wiiich  Is  about  eighty  miles  round,  and  of  a 
circular  form,  lijs  on  the  .Sagiicnay  River,  directly  north  of  Que- 
Ixic,  anu  falls  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  fomewhat  north- call,  of 
chat  city.  Lake  Manikouagone  lies  near  the  head  of  the  Ulack 
River,  v/hich  empties  itfelf  into  the  Sr.  l^^u■reuce  to  the  call-, 

v/ard 


wirrci  6\ 
and  is  s 
^inckt! 
number 
■  River  t( 
is  uhn^c 
Lakes  H 

The  V 
of  twenl 
count  it 
America 
quantity 

in  06 
fr6m  -ft  ( 
hig  thic  1 
^s  foon  ; 
biit  for  E 
and  to  r€ 
cution  of 
been  obi 
ed  betwe 

nij^s.   s: 

the  count 
foiirce  of 
ditrh  fettl 
ly  rejoicd 
an  acqnif 
I  cannc 
out  expre 
iibly  prot 
Jtcnd  lb  1( 
At  the 
tion,  if  I 
of  this  w 
in  this  ar 
fined  to  t 
the  comm 
tributed 

The  CO 
improven 
jnained, 
explore  tl 
as  a  prep 
manners, 
tlicir  ian^ 
I  confe 
tions  hav 
who  dene 
rageujycl 
r^Iity,  mi 


'^'mt>'V 


■?■</' 


•*-/,.. 


'  [    81    3 

wirrd  6f  the  lart-meritiorted  river,  near  lh,e  -coaft  of  Labrador, 
and  is  about  fixty  Infle's  in  circumference.  Lake  Pertibi,  Lake  ' 
"Oi^incktagan,,  Like  Etchelaugon,  and  Lake  I^aperiouagane,  with  a  ' 
number  of  other  fmall  lakes,  lie  near  the  heads  of  the  Buftard 
River  to  the  north  of  the  St.  Lawrence.  Many  others,  which  it 
is  uhneceflfary  to  particularise  h6rc,  are  affo  found  b'etwe'en  the 
Lakes  Huron  and  Ontario. 

The  whole  of  thofe  1  ha\^eenutAera'ted,'aW6uhtfngtoupwaVdS 
of  twenty,  "are  within  the  limits  of  "Canada ;  and  from  this  ac« 
count  it  might  be  deduced,  that  the  northern  parts  of  North- 
America,  through  thefe  numerous  inland  feas,  contain  a  g'reitcx 
quantity  of  water  than  any  other  quarter  of  the  globe.       .  , 

in  Oftober  1768  I  arrived  at  feofton,  haVing  been  abfent 
from  ft  oh  this  expediti'on  two  years  and  live  months,  and  •'.dt-' 
ing  thiYtime  travelfed  hear  feven  thoufand  miles.  From  thence, 
iis  foon  as  I  hatl  properly  digcfled  my  Journal  and  Charts,  X  fet 
Oiit  for  England,  to  communicate  the  difcoveries  I  had  madev, 
and  to  render  them  beneficial  to  the  kingdom.  But  the  profe-  - 
cation  of  my  plans  for  reaping  theft  advantages  have  hitherto 
been  obllrutS^d  by  the  unirappy  diviliohs  that  have  been  foment^ 
ed  between  Great-Britain  and  the  Colonies  by  their  mutual  cn'e- 
milbs.  Should  peace  once  more  bereftored,  1  'doubt  not  but  that 
tlfe  countries  I  have  defcribed  will  prove  a  more  abuhdar^t  ' 
fource  of  riches  to  this  nation  than  either  its  Eall  or  Weft  In- 
Ainth  fetrtlements;  and  I  fhall  not  only  pride  myfelf,  but  fihcere^ 
ly  rejoice  in  being  the  means  lOf  pointing  out  to  it  fo  valuable 
an  acqmfitfoo. 

I  cannot  conclude  the  account  of  my  extenlTve  travels,  with- 
out expreffing  my  gratitude  to  that  beneficent  Being  who  invi- 
libly  protected  me  through  thofe  perils  which  unavoidably  at-  " 
iciid  lb  long  a  tour  among  fierce  and  untutored  faVages; 

At  the  fame  time  let  me  not  be  accufed  of  vanity  or  prefumji-. 
tion,  it  1  declare  that  the  motives  alledged  in  the  ihtroduftioii 
of  this  work,  were  not  the  only  ones  that  induced  me  to  engage 
in  this  arduous  uruJer taking.  My  views  were  not  folely  con- 
fined to  the  advantages  that  might  accrue  cithe^  to  my(elf,^or 
the  community  to  which  I  belonged;  but  nobler  purposes  con- 
tributed principally  to  urge  me  on. 

The  confined  ftate,  both  With  regard  to  civil  iahd  rellgibns 
improvements,  in  which  fo  nlany  of  my  fellow  creatures  re* 
mained,  aroufed  within  my  bofom  an  irrefiftible  inclination  tb  ' 
explore  the  almoft  unknown  regions  which  they  inhabited;  and 
as  a  preparatory  ilep  towards  the  introduction  of  more  polilhed 
manners,  and  more  humane  fentiments-,  tti  gain  a  knowledge  of 
their  language,  ciiftbms,  and  principles. 

I  confefs  that  fhs  little  benefit  too  many  bf  the  Indian  na- 
tions have  hitherto  received  from  their  intercourfe-  with  thofe 
who  denominate  themfelves  Chriftians,  did  not  tend  to  encou- 
rage my  charitable  purpofes;  yet  as  many,  though  not  ih*#genc- 
r^Iityi  might  xeceive  fome  benefit  from  the  Incrddu&ion  aniong 

L  them 


m 


K 


m 


■    » 


tjjem  of  the  polity  and  religion  of  the  Europeans,  withoiit  tj> 
taining  only  the  errors  or  vices  that  from  the  depravity  andper- 
Verfion  of  their  profeflbrs  are  unhappily  attendant  on  thefe,  I 
l^etermlned  to  perfevere. 

t  Nor  could  I  flatt(gr  myfelf  that  I  ihould  be  able  to  accom- 
plifh  alone  this  great  defign ;  however,  I  was  willing  to  contri- 
bute as  much  as  lay  in  my  power  towards  it.  In  all  public  un- 
dertakings would  every  one  do  this,  and  furn"ih  with  alacrity 
his  particular  ihare  towards  it,  what  ftupen.ous  works  might 
Jlot  be  completed. 

It  is  true  that  the  Indians  are  not  without  fome  fenfe  of-reli- 
gion,  and  fuch  as  proves  that  they  worlhip  the  Great  Creator, 
with  a  degree  of  purity  unknown  to  nations  who  have  greater 
opportunities  of  improvement;  but  their  religious  principles 
are  far  from  being  fo  faultlefs  as  defcribed  by  a  learned  writer, 
or  unmixed  with  opiiiions  and  ceremonies  that  greatly  leflfcn 
their  excellency  in  this  point.  So  that  could  the  doftrines  of 
genuine  and  vital  Chriftianity  be  introduced  among  them,  pure 
and  untainted  as  it  flowed  from  the  lips  of  its  Divine  Inftitutor, 
it  would  certainly  tend  to  clear  away  that  fuperftitious  or  ido- 
latrous drofs  by  which  the  rationality  of  their  religious  tenets 
are  obfcured.  Its  mild  and  beneficent  precepts  would  likewife 
conduce  to  foften  their  implacable  difpofitions,  and  to  refine 
their  favage manners ;  an  event  moll  defirable ;  and  happy  Ihall 
I  efteem  myfelf  if  this  publication  fhall  prove  the  means  of  point- 
ing out  the  path  by  which  falutary  inftruftions  may  be  conveyed 
to  them,  and  the  converfion,  though  but  of  a  few,  be  the  con- 
fequence.  -     ...        ,.  ..,.;& 


W 


'-.'* 


Condufion  of  the  J  O  U  R  N  A  I,    ^i 


%.  .  '■ 


I 


,  t 


'1 


Wf 


.       * 


»,        ^  iWftqft 


If 


\: 


'''^■'N^:v|T  ,;:>"•"■  ''•■•^' 


-*■■"'  •■ '•    .  '^  9  9        T  H  * 


ORIGIN,  MANNERS,  CUSTOMS, 

RELIGION     AND    LANGUAGE 

.   -,      ■      ^     .      ,  ,...,..,-., 

o  r      T  H  ? 

■■■■■»•.  *  '  ,  ■ ,  - 

I      N      i)      I     A     N;     S. 


*"■> 


»  ■!<■ 


rf'     11 


CHAPTER      J. 
0/    their      Origin* 


^  :■'*,''■  ^-' 


TH  E  means  by  which  America  received  its  firft  inhabiV 
tants,  have,  fince  the  time  of  its  difcovery  by  the  Eu* 
ropeans,  been  the  fiibjefl  of  numberlefs  difquifitions. 
Was  I  to  endeavour  to  collefl  the  different  opinions  and  rea» 
fonings  on  the  various  writers  that  have  taken  up  the  pen  in  de- 
fence of  their  conjeftures,  the  enumeration  would  much  exceed 
■  the  bounds  I  have  prefcribed  myfelf,  and  oblige  me  to  be  leis 
explicit  on  points  of  greater  moment. 

From  the  obfcurity  in  which  this  debate  is  enveloped,  thro* 
the  total  difufe  of  letters  among  every  nation  of  Indians  on  this 
cxtenfive  continent,  and  the  uncertainty  of  oral  tradition  at  the 
''    dliftanceof  fo  many  ages,  I  fear,  that  even  after  the  moft  mi- 
nute invciligatlon  wc  ih«in  not  be  able  to  fettle  it  with  any  great 

•  degree 


""??,■'■' 


•IS*" 


\ 


'H 


C     84    } 

degree  of  certainty.  And  this  apprehenfion  wilt  receive  addi- 
tijpnal  force,  when  it  is  confidered  that  the  drverfity  of  language, 
which  is  apparently  diftinft  bet^yeen  mod  of  the  Indians,  tends 
to, afcertaiii  that  this  population  was  not  efFefted  from' one  par- 
ticular Country,  but  from  feveral  neighbouring  ones,'- and  qom^ 
pleted  at  different  periods. 

Moft  of  thehiftorians  or  tlravellers  that  have  treated  on  the 
American  Aborigines  dii^agree  in  their  fentiments  relative  to 
them.  Many  of  the  ancients  are  fuppoied  to  have  known  that 
this  quarter  of  the  globe  not  only  exiftcd,  but.  alfp  that  it  was 
inhabited.  Plato,  in  his  Timaeus  hns  aflerted,  tl^at  beyond  th« 
ifland  which  he  calls  Atalantis,  and  whicjh  according  to  his  de- 
fcription  was  fituated  In  the  weftcrn  Ocean,  there  were  a  great 
number  of  other  iflands,  and  behind  thofc  a  vaft  continent. 

Otviedo,  a  celebrated  SpanilTi  author  of  a.  much  later  date, 
has  made  no  fcruple  to  affirm  that  the  Antilles  are  the  famous 
Hefperides  fo  often  mentioned  by  the  poets ;  which  are  at  length 
reftored  to  the  kings  of  Spain,  thq  defcendants  of  king  fjefpe- 
rus,  who  lived  upwards  of  three  thoufand  years  ago,  and  from 
whom  thefe  iilands^  received  their  name. 

•  Two  Qther  Spaniards,  the  one,  Father  Gregorio  Garcia,  a 
Dominican,"  the  other^  Father,  Jofeph  De  Acoila,  a.Jefuft,  have 
written  on  the  origin  of  the  Americans. 

The  former,  who  had  been  employed  in  the.  millions  of  Mex- 
ico  and  I'eru,  endeavoured  to  prove  from  the  traditions  of 
the  Mexicans,  Peruvians^  and  others,  which  he  received  on  the 
£pot,  and  from  the  y^ariety  of  chara6kers,  cullcms,  languages, 
and  religion  obfervable  in  the  different  countries  of  the  new 
world,  that  different  nations  had  contributed  to  the  peopling 
pf  it. '  ■   "  '  '      '    '     '■ 

The  latter,  Father  De  Acofta,  in  his  cxamination.of  the  means 
fey  which  the  firft  Indians  of  America  mjght  have  found  a  paf- 
fage  to  that  continent,  difcredits  the  conclufions  of  thofe  who, 
have  fuppofed  it  to  be  by  fea,  becaufe  no  ancient  author  has 
made  mention  of  the  coinpafs :  and  concludes,  that  it  nuift  be 
either  by  the  north  of  Alia  and  Europe,  which  adjoin  to  each 
Other,  or  by  thofe  regions  that  lie  to  the  fouthward  of  the 
Straights  of  Magellan.  He  alfo.rejefts  the  allertipns.of  luch  as 
have  advanced  that  it  was  peopled  by  the  Hebrews. 

John  De  I^aet,  a  FlemiiK  writer,  has  controverted  tlie  opi- 
nions of  thefe  Sp^nilli  fathers,  and  of  many  others  who  hav(j 
written  on  the  fame  fubjeft.  The  hypothefis  he  endeavours  to 
cftabljft,  is,  that  Araeriea  was  certainly  peopled  by  the  Scythi- 
ans or,  Tartars;  and  that  the  tranfraigration  of  thefe  people 
happened  foon  after  the  difperfior^  of  Noah's  grandfons.  He 
undertakes  to  flipw,  that  the  ipolt  northern  Americans  have  a 
greater  refemblance,  not  only  In  the  features  of  their  counte- 
nances, i?ut  alfo  in  their  cohiplexion  and  manner  of  living,  to 
the  Scythians,  Tarta^,  and  Sainoeides,  than  to  an/  other  na- 


>'  In  smfwerto  Grotiiis^who  had  afTcrted  that  fome  of  tlielbf^r* 
wegians  pafTcd  into  America  l?y  way  of  Greenland,  and  over  a 
vaft  continent,  he  fays,  that  it  is  well  known  that  Greenland 
was  not  dlfcovercd  till  the  year  964;  and  both  Gomcra  an4 
Herrera  inform  us  that  the  Chichimeqiies  were  fettled  on  the 
Lake  of  Mexico  in  721.  He  adds,  that  thefe  favages,  accordr 
ing  to  the  uniform  tradition  of  the  Mexicans  who  difpoireffed 
them,  came  from  the  country  fince  called  New  Me;!cico,  and 
from  the  neighbourhood  of  California;  confcqucntly  North 
America,  mufl:  have  been  inliahited  many  ages  before  it  coul4 
receive  any  inhabitants  from  Norway  by  way  of  Greenland, 

It  is  no  Icfs  certain,  he  obferves,  that  the  real  Mexicans 
founded  their  empire  in  902,  after  having  fubdued  the  Chichi- 
meques,  the  Otomias,  and  other  barbarous  nations,  who  hjd 
taken  pofleflion  of  the  country  round  the  Lake  of  Mexico,  an<J 
each  of  whom  fpoke  a  language  peculiar  to  themfelves.  The 
real  Rjlexicans  are  likewifs  luppofcd  to  come  from  forae  of  the 
countries.  t;hat  lie  near  California,  and  that  they  performed  their 
journey  for  the  moft  part  by  land^  of  courfe  they  could  nut 
come  from  Norway. 

De  Laet  further  adds,  that  thpugh  fome  of  the  inhabitantsof 
North  America  may  have  entered  it  from  the  north-wefl,  yet, 
as  it  is  related  by  Pliny,  and  Ibmc  other  writers,  that  on  many 
of  the  illands  near  the  weftern  coaft  of  Africa,  particularly  oa 
the  Canaries,  fome  ancient  edifices  were  feen,  vl  is  highly  pro- 
bable from  tneir  being  now  deierted,  that  the  inhabitants  majr 
bave  paflcd  over  to  America;  the  paifage  being  neither  iov)^ 
nor  difficult.  This  migration,  according  to  the  calculation  of 
thofe  authors,  mull:  have  happened  more  than  two  thoufand 
years  ago,  at  a  time  when  the  Spaniards  were  much  trouble 
by  the  Carthaginians;  from  whom  having  obtained  a  knowledge 
of  navigation,  and  the  conftrudion  of  ihips,  they  might  have 
retired  to  the  Antilles,  by  the  way  of  the  weftcrii  illcs,  which 
were  exaclly  half  way  on  their  voyage. 

He  thinks  alfo  that  Great  Britain,  Ireland,  and  the  Orcades 
were  extremely  proper  to  admit  of  a.fimilar  conjefture.  As  a 
proof,  he  inferts  thefollowing  palTagefrom  the  hiftory  of  Wales, 
written  by  Dr,  David  Powel,  in  the  year  11 70. 

Thishiftorian  fays,  that  Madoc,  of  the  fons  of  Prince  Owoi 
Gwynnith,  being  difgufted  at  the  civil  wars  which  broke  out  be- 
tween his  brothers,  after  the  death  of  their  father,  fitted  out 
feveral  veflfels,  and  having  provided  them  with  every  thing  ne- 
ceflary  for  a  long  voyage,  went  ih  queft  of  new  lands  to  the 
wertward  of  Ireland;  there  he  difcovered  very  fertile  coun- 
tries, but  deftitute  of  inhabitants ,  whdlfi  landing  part  of  his 
ppople,  he  returned  to  Britain,  where  he  raifednewleviis,  and 
afterwards  tranfi  jrted  them  to  his  colony. 

The  Flemjlh  Author  then  returns  to  the  Scythians,  bct\\'cen 
whom  and  the  Americans  he  draws  a  Darallel.  He  oblcrvcs 
that  fcverul  nations  of  them  to  the  nprH)  of  the  Cafpian  Sea, 


•i 


t- 


% 


m- 


.'«£■* 
* 


1^^ 


'4 


t    80 

le^  a  ti^Jndering  life;  which,  as  well  as  many  other  of  theff 
citttoms,  and  way  of  living,  agrees  in  many  circumftances  with 
the  Indians  of  America.  And  though  the  refemblances  are  not 
abfolutely  perfeft,  yet  the  emigrants,  even  before  they  left  their 
Qwn  country,  differed  from  each  other,  and  went  not  by  the 
Craie  name.     Their  change  of  abode  effefted  what  remained. 

He  further  fays,  that  a  fimilar  likenefs  exifts  between  feveral 
American  nations,  and  the  Samceidcs  who  rtre  fettled,  according 
to  the  Ruffian  accounts,  on  the  great  River  Oby.  And  it  is 
*  itiore  natural,  continues  he,  to  fuppofe  that  Colonies  of  thefe 
nations  pafTed  over  to  America  by  croffing  the  icy  fea  on  their 
fledges,  than  for  the  Norwegians  to  travel  all  the  way  Grotius 
'  has  marked  out  for  them. 

This  writer  maizes  many  other  remarks  that  are  equally  fen- 
fible,  and  which  appear  to  be  juft;  but  he  mtermixeswith  thefc 
fome  that  are  not  fo  well  founded. 

Emanutl  de  Moraez,  a  Portugeiize,  in  his  hiftory  of  Brazil, 
aiierts,  that  America  has  been  wholly  peopled  by  the  Carthagi- 
nians and  Ifraelites.  He  brings  as  a  proof  of  thisafTertion,  the 
,  difcoveries  the  former  are  known  to  have  made  at  a  great  di- 
ftance  beyond  the  coaft  of  Africa.  The  progrefs  of  which*  be- 
ing put  a  flop  to  by  the  fenate  of  Carthage,  thofe  who  happen- 
ed to  be  then  in  the  newly  difcovered  countries,  being  cut  off 
^,  from  all  commtimi cation  with  their  countrymen,  and  deftitute 
of  many  necelFaries  of  life,  fell  into  a  ftate  of  barbarifm.  A» 
to  the  Ifraelites,  this  author  thinks  that  nothing  but  circumcifi- 
tm  is  wanted  in  order  to  conftitute  a  perfect  refemblance  be- 
tween them  and  the  Brazilians. 

George  De  Hornn,  a  learned  Dutchman,  has  likev^'-ife  written 
on  this  fubjeft.  He  fets  out  with  declaring,  that  he  does  not 
believe  it  polBble  America  could  have  been  peopled  before  the 
flood,  confidering  the  iTiort  fpace  of  time  which  elapfed  be- 
tween the  creation  of  the  world  and  that  memorable  ei;  cr^t.  In 
the  next  place  be  lays  it  down  as  a  principle,  that  after  the  de- 
luge, men  and  other  terreftrial  animals  penetrated  into  that 
country  both  by  fea  and  by  land ;  fome  through  accident,  and 
fome  from  a  formed  dclign.  That  birds  got  thither  by  flight; 
which  they  were  enabled  to  do  by  refting  on  the  rocks  and 
xflands  that  arc  fcattercd  about  in  the  Ocean.  '   ., 

He  further  obferves,  tl^at  wild  hearts  may  have  found  a  free 
paffage  by  land;  and  that  it  we  do  not  meet  with  horfes  or  cat^ 
tie,  (to  which  he  might  have  added  elephants,  camels,  rhino- 
ceros, and  hearts  of  many  other  kinds)  it  is  bccaufe  thofe  na- 
tions that  parted  thither,  were  either  not  acquainted  with  their 
ufe,  or  had  no  convenience  to  fupport  them. 

Having  totally  excluded  many  nations  that  others  have  admit- 
ted as  the  probable  firft  fettlers  of  America,  for  which  he  gi\es 
fubrtantial  reafons,  he  fnppofes  that  it  began  to  be  peopled  by 
the  oorthi  and  maintains,   that  the  primitive  colonies  Tpread 

^,  "         .  '         themfclves^'' 


^i  ^.- 


-^  .   '^     :^.:  I  87  ]  ■   •'  #"       ••"'^'■''-^ 

chemfclvcs  by  the  means  of  the  idhmus  of  Panama  through  th« 
whole  extent  of  the  continent.  I 

He  believes  that  the  firft  founders  of  the  Indian  Colonics 
were  Scythians.  That  the  Phccnicians  and  Carthaginians  after- 
wards got  footing  in  America  acrofs  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and. 
the  Chinese  by  way  of  the  Pacific.  And  that  other  nations 
might  from  time  to  time  have  landed  there  by  one  or  other  of 
thefe  ways,  or  might  poflibly  have  been  thrown  on  the  coaft  by 
tampefts;  fince,  through  the  whole  extent  of  that  Continent, 
both  in  its  northern  and  fouthern  parts,  we  meet  with  undoubt-  * 
cd  marks  of  a  mixture  of  the  northern  nations  with  thofe  wiio 
have  come  from  other  places.  And  laftly,  that  fome  Jews  and 
Chriftians  might  have  been  carried  there  by  fuch  like  events, 
but  that  this  muft  have  happened  at  a  time  when  the  whole  of 
the  New  World  was  already  peopled. 

After  all,  he  acknowledges  that  great  difficulties  attend  the 
determination  of  the  quellion.  Thele,  he  fays,  are  occalioned 
in  the  firil  place  by  the  imperfeft  knowledge  we  have  of  the  ex- 
tremities of  the  globe,  towards  the  north  and  fouth  pole;  and 
in  the  next  place  to  the  havock  which  the  Spaniards,  the  hrft ' 
difcoverers  of  the  new  world,  made  among  its  moft  ancieift 
monuments;  as  witnefs  the  great  double  road  betwixt  Quito  and 
Cuzco,  an  undertaking  fo  Ihipendous,  that  even  the  moft  mag- 
niticent  of  thofe  executed  by  the  Romans,  cannot  be  compared 
to  it. 

He  fuppofes  alfo  another  migration  of  the  Phoenicians,  than 
thofe  already  mentioned,  to  have  taken  place;  and  this  was 
during  a  three  years  voyage  made  by  the  Tyrian  fleet  in  the  fer- 
vice  of  King  Solomon.  He  alferts  on  the  authority  of  Jofe- 
phus,  that  the  port  at  which  this  embarkation  was  made,  lay 
in  the  Mediterranean.  The  heet,  he  adds,  went  in  queft  of 
elephants  teeth  and  peacocks  to  the  weftern  Coaft  of  Africa, 
which  is  Tarfilli;  then  to  Ophir  for  gold,  which  is  Haitt^,  or 
the  ifland  of  Hifpaniola;  and  in  the  latter  opinion  he  is  (up- 
ported  by  Columbus,  who,  when  he  difcovered  that  ifland, 
thought  h^  could  trace  the  furnaces  in  which  the  gold  was  re- 
fined. 

To  thefe  migrations  which  preceded  the  Chriftian  a:ra,  he 
adds  many  others  of  a  later  date  from  different  nations,  but 
thefe  I  have  not  time  to  enumerate.  For  the  fam-e  reafon  I  am 
obliged  to  pafs  over  numberlefs  writers  on  this  fiibjedt;  and 
Ihall  content  myfelf  with  only  giving  the  fentiments  of  two  or 
three  more. 

The  hrrt  of  thefe  is  Pierre  De  Charlevoix,  a  Frenchman, 
who,  in  his  journal  of  a  voyage  to  North  America,  made  fo 
lately  as  the  year  1720,  has  recapitulated  the  opinions  of  a  va- 
riety of  authors  on  this  head,  to  which  he  has  fubjoined  his 
own  conjedures.  But  the  latter  cannot  without  fome  difficulty 
te  extfattc^,  as  they  are  fo  interwoven  with  the  pailages  he 

has 


!■» 


■i'^-3 


.^fJF' 


*■ 


* 


f'88    ] 

^Sts  «tuoterf,  that  it  requires  much  auenti'oh  to  difcriminaje 
tbeiii. 

He  fccms  to  allow  that  Aitierica  might  have  received  its  firft 
irbabitants  frrtin  Tartary  and  iTyrcania.  This  he  confiniis,  by 
tibfcrvini;  that  the  lions  and  tigers  which  are  found  in  the  for- 
fttei,  niul!:  have  come  from  thofe  countries,  and  wholt  paflage 
fervis  for  a  j^roof  that  the  two  hemilphcres  join  to  the  north- 
ward of  Afia.  He  then  draws  a  corroboration  of  tliis  argu- 
ment, from  a  ftory  he  fays  he  has  often  hctird  related  by  Father 
Croflon,  a  French  Jcfuit,  as  an  undoubted  matter  of  faft. 
•  This  father,  after  having  hiboured  fome  time  in  the  millions 
of  Nev^  Frlnce,  pafTed  over  to  thole  of  China.  One  day  as  he 
was  travelling  in  Tartary,  he  met  a  Huron  woman  whom  he 
had  formerly  known  in  Canada.  He  asked  her  by  what  adven- 
ture Ihe  had  been  carried  into  a  country  I'o  diftant  from  her 
own.  She  made  anfwer,  that  having  been  taken  in  war,  iTie 
had  been  cond  ifl'cd  from  nation  to  nation,  till  fte  had  reached 
the  place  at  which  flie  then  was. 

Monficur  Charlevoix  (ays  further,  that  he  had  been  alTurcd 
another  Jefuft,  pafllrtg  through  Nantz,  in  his  return  from  Chi- 
na, had  related  much  l\\ch  another  affair  of  a  SpanifK  woman 
f»om  Florida.  She  alio  had  been  taken  by  certain  Indians,  ond 
given  to  tlwfe  of  a  more  dillant  country;  and  by  thele  again  to 
another  nation,  till  having  thus  been  fuccefll\  ely  palTed  from 
country  to  country,  and  travelled  through  regions  extremely 
cold,  iTie  at  laft  found  herfelf  in  Tartary.  Here  ilie  had  mar- 
lied  a  Tartar,  who  had  attended  the  conquerors  in  China-,  where 
flie  was  then  fettled. 

Heacknowledges  as  an  allay  to  the  probability  of  thefc  ftories, 
that  thofe  who  had  failed  farthcil  to  the  eaftward  of  Alia,  by 
purfuing  the  Coaft  of  Jellb  or  Kamtfchatka,  have  pretended  that 
they  had  perceived  the  extremity  of  this  continent;  and  from 
thence  have  concluded  that  there  could  notpoflibly  be  any  com- 
munication by  land.  But  he  adds  that  Francis  Guella,  a  Spa- 
Btard,  is  faid  to  have  alTerted,  that  this  reparation  is  no  more 
than  a  ftraight,  about  one  hundred  miles  over,  and  that  fom^ 
late  voyages  of  the  Japonefe  give  grounds  to  think  that  this 
ftraight  is  only  a  bay,  above  which  there  is  paffage  over  land. 

He  goes  on  to  oblerve,  that  though  there  are  few  wild  hearts 
to  be  met  with  in  North  America,  except  a  kind  of  tigers  with- 
out fpots,  which  are  found  in  the  country  of  the  Iroquoife,  yet 
towards  the  tropics  there  are  lions  and  real  tigers,  which,  not- 
withftanding,  might  have  come  from  Hyrcaniaand  Tartary;  for 
as  by  advancing  gradually  fouthward  they  met  with  climates 
jnore  a.!;reeable  to  theit  natures,  they  have  in  tipie  abandoned 
the  no-rthern  countries. 

Htt  quotes  both  Solinus  and  Piiny  to  prove  that  the  Scythian 
Anthro^)ophagi  once  depopulated  a  great  extent  of  country,  ais 
far  as  the4>romontory  Tabin;  and  alfo  an  author  of  later  date, 
Mark  Pol,  a  Venetian,  whv,  he  fays,  tells  us,  that  to  thenorth- 


'W 


*' 


t     89    1 

cart  of  China  and  Tartary  there  arc  vaft  uninhabited  countricsv 
wliich  might  be  fuflicient  to  confirm  any  conjeflures  concerning 
the  retreat  of  a  great  number  of  Scythians  into  America. 

To  this  he  adds,  that  we  find  in  the  ancients  the  names  of 
feme  of  thcfe  nations.  I'Uny  fpeaks  of  the  Tabians;  Solinus 
mentions  the  VpLilcans,  who  had  for  neighbours  the  Mairagctcs, 
whom  Pliny  lince  alfiires  us  to  have  entirely  difappearcd.  Am- 
mianus  Marcellijius  cxprcfsly  tells  us,  that  the  fear  of  the  An- 
thropophagi obh'ged  feveral  of  thcinnabitantsof  thofe  countries 
to  take  refuse  clfewhere.  From  all  thefe  authorities  MonHeur 
Charlevoix  concludes,  that  there  is  at  lead  room  to  conjefture 
that  more  than  one  nation  hi  Amcyrica  had  a  Scythian  or  Tarta- 
rian original. 

He  iiniihes  his  remarks"  on  the  authors  he  has  quoted,  by  the 
following  obfervations:  It  appears  to  meti|at  this  controvcrfy 
may  be  reduced  to  tlvj  two  follov.ing  articles ;  lirft,  how  the 
new  world  might  have  been  peopled;  and  fecoixily,  by  whom, 
and  by  what  means  it  has  been  peopled. 

Nothing,  he  aflT^rts,  may  be  more  cafily  anfwered  than  the 
firft.  •Amefica  iriight  have  been  peopled  as  the  three  other  parts 
of  th'-vworld  have  been.  Many  difficulties  have  been  formed 
on  this  fubjccT;,  which  have  been  deemed  infolvable,  but  which 
,  are  far  frt)m  being  fo.  The  inhabitants  of  both  hemifpheres 
*  are  certainly  the  dcfccndants  of  the  fame  father;  the  common 
parent  of  mankind  received  an  exprefs  command  from  Heaven 
to  people  the  whole  world,  and  accordingly  it  has  been  peopled. 

To  bring  this  about  it  was  necelTitry  to  overcome  all  difficul- 
ties that  lay  in  the  way,  and  they  have  been  got  over.  Were 
thefe  difficulties  greater  with  refpefl  tu  peopling  the  extremi- 
ties of  Ada,  Africa,  and  Europe,  or  the  tranfporting  men  into 
the  illands  which  lie  at  a  coniiderable  diftance  from  thpfe  con* 
tincnts,  than  to  pafs  over  into  America,?  certainly  iipt. 

Navigation,  which  has  arrived  at  fo  great  perfecfion  within 
thefe  three  or  four  centuries,  might  poflibly  have  been  more 
perfect  in  thofe  early  ages  than  at  this  day.  Who  can  believe 
;liat  Noah  and  his  immediate  defcendants  knew  lefs  of  this  art 
than  we  do.?  That  the  builder  and  pilot  of  the  largefi:  iTiip  that 
ever  was,  a  ffiip  that  was  formed  to  traverfe  an  unbounded 
ocean,  and  had  fo  many  i"hoals  and  quick-fands  to  guard  againlt, 
fhould  be  ignorant  of,  or  fliouid  not  have  communicated  to 
thofe  of  his  defcendants  wi-jo  furvivcd  him,  and  by  whofe  means 
he  was  to  execute  the  order  of  the  Great  Creator;  I  fay,  who 
can  believe  he  Ihould  not  have  communicated  to  them  the  art 
of  failing  upon  an  ocean,  which  was  not  only  more  calm  and 
pacific,  but  at  the  fame  time  confined  within  its  ancient  limits? 

Admitting  this,  hov/  eafy  is  it  to  pafs,  exclufive  of  the  paflage 
already  defcribed,  by  land  from  the  coaft  of  Africa  to  Brazil, 
from  the  Canaries  to  the  Wellern  Illands,  and  from  them  to 
the  Antilles.?  B'rom  the  Britiffi  Illes,  or  the  coart  of  France,  to 
Newfoundland,  the  palTagc  is  neither  long  nor  difficult;  I  might 

M  fiiy 


>(lr 


'W. 


*«" 


f;u'  ns  imich  of  that  from  China  to  Japan;  from  Japan,  or  tfie' 
Phillipuics,  to  the  Iflcs  Mariannes;  and  from  thence  to   Mex- 
ico. 

There  arc  illands  at  a  confiderablcdiftance  from  the  continent 
of  Alia,  where  we  have  not  been  furprized  to  find  inhabitants, 
why  then  iTiouid  we  wonder  to  meet  with  people  in  America? 
Nor  can  it  be  imagined  that  the  grandfons  of  Noah,  when  they 
were  oblij^ed  to  fcparate,  and  fpread  themfclvcs  in  conformity 
to  the  defigns  of  God,  over  the  whole  earth,  Ihoiild  find  it  ah 
I'oliitcly  ImpofTlble  to  people  almoft  one  half  of  it, 

I  have  been  more  copious  in  my  extracts  from  this  author 
than  I  intended,  as  his  reafons  appear  to  be  folld,  and  many  of 
Jiis  obfervations  jurt.  From  this  encomium,  however,  I  mutt 
exclude  the  florics  he  hp«  introduced*  of  the  Huron  and  Floridan 
women,  which  I  think  I  might  venture  to  pronounce  fabulous. 

I  iliall  only  add,  to  give  my  readers  a  more  comprehenfivc 
view  of  Monf.  Charlevoix's  diflertation,  the  method  he  pro- 
pofcs  to  come  at  the  truth  of  what  we  are  in  fearch  of. 

The  only  means  by  which  this  can  be  done,  he  fays,  is  by 
comparing  the  languages  of  the  Americans  with  the  different  na- 
tions, from  whence  we  might  fuppofe  they  have  peregrinated. 
If  we  compare  the  former  with  thofe  words  that  are  confidered 
as  primitives,  it  might  pofllbly  fetus  upon  fome  happy  difcovery. 
And  this  way  of  afcending  to  the  original  of  nations,  which  is 
by  far  the  leaft  equivocal,  is  notfo  difficult  as  might  be  imagin- 
ed. We  have  had,  and  .ftill  have,  travellers  and  mifHonarie.s 
who  have  attained  the  languages  that  are  fpoken  in  all  the  pro- 
vinces of  the  new  world  ;  it  would  only  be  neceflary  to  make  a 
collection  of  tiicir- grammars  and  vocabularies,  and  to  collate 
tbtm  with  the  dead  and  liviug  languages  of  the  old  world,  that 
pafs  for  originals,  and  the  fimilarity  might  eallly  be  traced. 
Even  the  different  dialcfts,  in  fpite  of  the  alterations  they  have 
undergone,  Hill  retain  enough  of  the  mother  tongue  to  furnilTi 
coniiderable  lights. 

Any  enqm'ry  into  the  manners,  cuftoms,  religion,  or  tradi- 
tions of  the  Ameiicaiis,  in  order  to  diicover  by  that  means  their 
origin,  he  thinks  would  prove  fallacious.  A  difquifition  ofthat 
kind,  he  obferves,  is  only  capable  of  producing  a  falfe  light, 
more  likely  to  dazzle,  and  to  make  us  wander  from  the  right 
path,  than  to  lead  us  with  certainty  to  the  point  propofed. 

Ancient  traditions  areefFaeed  from  the  minds  of  fuch  as  either 
]i;ivc  not,  or  for  fevcral  ag^s  have  been  without  thofe  helps 
tluit  arc  neceflary  to  prefervethcm.  And  in  this  (ituation  is  full 
one  half  of  the  world.  New  events,  and  a  new  ar^'angement 
o\'  things,  give  rile  to  new  traditions,  which  efface  the  former, 
and  arc  rhcmfeives  effaced  in  turn.  After  one'or  two  centuries 
have  palled,  there  no  longer  remain  any  traces  of  the  firft  tra- 
ditions ;  and  thus  we  are  involved  in  a  ilate  of  uncertainty. 

lie  concludes  with  the  following  remarks,  among  many  others. 
Untuici'eca  uceidents,  tcmpells,  and  iliipwreeks,  have  certainly 

contributed 


contributed  to  people  every  habitable  part  of  the  worUl :  n?i(l 
ought  wc  to  wonder  after  this,  .at  perceiving  certain  rcfciu- 
blanccs,  both  of  pcrfons  and  manners  between  nations  that  are 
inoll  remote  from  each  other,  when  we  tind  fuch  a  diflcrencc 
between  thofe  that  border  on  one  another  F  As  we  arc  dclHtiitti 
of  hiftorical  monuments,  there  is  nothing,  I  repeat  it,  but  ;i 
knowledge  of  the  primitive  languages  that  is  capable  of  throw- 
ing any  light  upon  thefe  clouds  of  impenetrable  darknel's. 

By  this  enquiry  wc  lliould  at  Icail  be  fatislied,  among  that 
prodigious  number  of  various  nations  inhabiting  America,  and 
differing  fo  much  in  languages  from  each  other,  which  are  thofo 
who  make  ufe  of  words  totally  and  entirely  different  from  tholb 
of  the  old  world,  and  who  confcquently  mufl  be  reckoned  to  have 
paflfed  over  to  America  in  the  eariief):  ages,  and  thofe  who,  from 
theanalogy  of  their  language  with  fuch  as  arc  at  prcfcnt  ufed  in 
the  three  other  parts  of  the  globe,  leave  room  to  judge  that 
their  migration  has  been  m^re  recent,  and  which  ought  to  bo 
attributed  to  iTiipwrecks,  or  to  fomc  accident  limilar  to  thofe 
which  have  been  fpokcn  of  in  the  courfc  of*  this  treatife. 

I  fhall  only  add  the  opinion  of  one  author  more,  before  Igive 
.my  own  fentiments  on  the  fubjeft,  and  that  is  of  James  Adair, 
Kfq;  who  yefided  forty  years. among  the  Indians,  and  publilhcd 
the  hillory  of  them  in  the  year  1772.  In  his  learned  and  fyltc- 
matical  hiftory  of  thofe  nations,  inhabiting  the  weftern  parts  of 
the  moft  fouthern  of  the  American  colonies;  this  gentleman 
without  hefitation  pronounces  that  the  American  Aborigines  are 
dcfcended  from  the  Ifraelites,  either  whilftthcy  wereamaritimo* 
power,  or  foon  after  their  general  captivity. 

This  defcent  he  endeavours  to  prove  from  their  religious 
rites,  their  civil  and  martial  cuftoms,  their  marriages,  their  fu- 
neral ceremonies,  their  manners,  language,  traditions,  and 
from  a  variety  of  other  particulars.  And  fo  complete  is  his 
convidtion  on  this  bead,  that  he  fancies  he  finds  a  pcrfe(5l  and 
indifputable  fimilitude  in  each.  Through  all  thci'e  1  have  not 
time  to  follow  hiui,  and  fliall  therefore  only  give  a  few  extracts 
to  iTiow  on  what  foundation  he  builds  his  conjectures,  and  what 
degree  of  credit  he  is  entitled  to  on  this  point. 

He  begins  with  obferviag,  that  though  fome  have  fuppofed 
the  Americans  to  be  defccnded  from  the  Chincfe,  yet  neither 
their  religion,  laws,  or  culioms  agree  in  the  leaft  with  thofe  of 
the  Chinefe,-  which  futKcicntly  proves  that  they  are  not  of  this 
line.  Befides,  as  our  bell:  iTiips  are  now  almofl:  half  a  year  in 
failing  for  China  (our  author  does  not  here  recoUedl  that  this 
is  from  a  high  northern  latitude,  acrofs  the  Line,  andthcnbac!. 
again  greatly  to  the  northward  of  it,  and  not  direftly  athwart 
the  Pacilic  Ocean,  for  only  one  hundred  and  eleven  degrees)  or 
from  thence  to  Europe,  it  is  very  unlikely  they  iliould  attcm^  t 
fuch  dangerous  difcovcries,  with  their  fuppofed  imall  veffeb, 
againft  rapid  currents,  and  in  dark  and  fickly  Monfoons.  - 

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Sciences 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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He  further  remarks,  that  this  is  more  particularly  improba- 
ble, as  there  is  reafon  to  believe  that  this  nation  was  unac- 
quainted with  the  ufe  of  the  loadftone  to  direft  their  courfe. 

China,  he  fays,  is  about  eight  thoufand  miles  diftant  from  the 
American  continent,  which  is  twice  as  far  as  acrofs  the  Atlantic 
Ocean.  And  we  are  not  informed  by  any  ancient  writer  of  their 
maritime  skill,  or  fo  much  as  any  inclination  that  way,  befides 
fmall  coafting  voyages.  The  winds  blow  likewife,  with  little 
variation  from  eaft  to  weft  within  the  latitudes  thirty  and  odd, 
north  and  foiith,  and  therefore  thefe  could  not  drive  them 
on  the  American  coaft,  it  lying  direftly  contrary  to  fuch  a 
^ourfe.    ' 

Neither  could  perfons,  according  to  this  writer's  account, 
fail  to  America  from  the  north  by  the  way  of  Tartary  or  Anci- 
ent Scythia;  that,  from  its  fituation,  never  having  been  or  can 
be  a  maritime  power;  and  it  is  utterly  imprafticable,  he  fays, 
for  any  to  coille'to  America  by  fea  from  that  quarter.  Befides, 
the  remaining  tvsfSQS  of  their  r^eligious  ceremonies,  and  civil  and 
martial  ouftoms,  arc.  quite  oppofite  to  the  like  veftiges  of  the 
Old  Scythians. 

-  Even  in  the  moderate  northern  climates  there  is  jiot  to  be 
fecn  the  leaft  trace  of  any  ancient  flately  buildings,  or  of  any 
thick  fettlements,  assure  uiid  to  remain  in  the  lefs  healthy  regi- 
ons of  Peru  and  Mexico.  And  feveral  of  the  Indian  nations 
affure  us,  that  they  crofTed  the  Milliflippi  before  they  made 
their  prefent  northern  fettlements;  which,  connefted  with  the 
former  arguments,  he  concludes  will  fufficiently  explode  tliat 
weak  opinion  of  the  American  Aborigines  being  lineally  de- 
fcended  from  the  Tartars  or  ancient  Scythians. 

Mr  Adair's  reafons  for  fuppofing  that  the  Americans  derive 
their  origin  from  the  Jews  are,  '-*^ 

Firft,  becaufe  they  are  divided  into  tribes,  and  have'  chiefs 
over  them  as  the  Ifraelites  had. 

Secondly,  becaufe,  as  by  a  ftrift  permanent  divine  precept, 
the  Hebrew  nation  were  ordered  to  worlhip,  at  Jerufalem, 
Jehovah  the  true  and  living  God,  fo  do  the  Indians,  ilil- 
ing  him  Yohcwah.  The  ancient  Heathens,  he  adds,  it  is 
well  known  worlliippeda  plurality  of  gods,  but  the  Indians  pay 
their  religious  devoirs  to  the  Great  beneficent,  iuprcme,  holy 
Spirit  of  Fire,  who  rcfides,  as  they  think,  above  the  clouds, 
and  on  earth  alfo  with  unpolluted  people.  They  pay  no  ado- 
ration to  images,  or  to  dead  perfons,  neither  to  the  celeftial 
luminaries,  to  evil  fpirits,  nor  to  any  created  beings  what- 
ever. 

Thirdly,  becaufe,  agreeable  to  the  theocracy  or  divine  go- 
vernment of  lirael,  the  Indians  think  the  Deity  to  be  theimmC' 
diate  head  of  their  ftate.  ^ 

Fourthly,  becaufe,  as  the  Jews  believe  in  the  miniftration  6%- 
angels,  the  Indians  atfo  believe  that  the  higher  regions  are  ift- 
habitcd  by  good  fpirits. 

>     .  Fifthly, 


■:r 


rtil- 

it  is 
mspay 

holy 
clouds, 

ado- 
eleftial 
what- 


Fifthly,  becaufe  the  Indian  language  and  dialers  appear  to 
bave  the  very  idiom  and  genius  of  the  Hebrew.     Their  words 
and  fentenccs  being  exprefllve,  concife,  emphatical,  fonorous* 
and  bold,'  and   often,  both  in  letters,  and  fignilication,  are  fy-   ^ 
nonimous  with  the  Hebrew  language.  ^ 

Sixthly,  becaufe  they  count  their  time  after  the  manner  of  the  ; 
Hebrews. 

Seventhly,  becaufe  in  conformity  to,  or  after  the  manner  of  ,, 
the  Jews,  they  have  their  prophets,  high-priefts,  and  other  re- 
ligious orders. 

Eighthly,  becaufe  their* feftivals,  fafts,  and  religious  rites 
have  a  great  refemblance  to  thofe  of  the  Hebrews. 

Ninthly,  becaufe  the  Indians,  before  they  go  to  war,  have 
majiy  preparatory  ceremonies  of  purification  and  falling,  like  . 
what  is  recorded  of  the  Ifraelites. 

Tenthly,    becaufe  the  fame  tafle  for   ornaments,    and    the     , 
fame  kind,  are  made  ufe  of  by  the    Indians,  as   by  the  He- 
brews. 

Thefe  and  many  otber  argunients  of  a  fimijar  nature,  Mr. 
Adair  brings  in  fupport  o^  his  favourite  fyftem;  but  I  iTiould 
imagine,  that  if  the  Indians  are  really  derived  from  the  He- 
brews, among  their  religious  ceremonies,  on  which  he  chiefly 
feems  to  build  his  hypothefis,  the  prini^il,  that  of  circuoici- 
fion,  Avould  never  have  been  laid  afide,  and  its  very  remein-^ 
brance  obliterated.  ^'Z 

Thus  numerous  and  diverfe  are  the  opinions  of  thofe  who 
have  hitherto  written  on  this  fubjefl!  1  iTiall  not,  however, 
either  endeavour  to  reconcile , them,  or  to  point  out  the  errors 
of  eaph,  but  proceed  to  give  my  own  fentiments  on  the  origin 
of  trfe  Americans ;  which  are  founded  on  conclufions  drawn 
froni  the  mod  rational  arguments  of  the  writers  I  have  menti- 
oned, and  from  niy  own  obfervations ;  the  confiftency  of  thefe  • 
I  ihall  leave  to  the  judgment  of  my  Readers. 

The  better  to  introduce  my  conjeftures  on  this  head,  it  is  nc- 
ceffa'ry  Hrft  to  afcertain  the  diftances  between  America  and  thofe 
parts  of  the  habitable  globe  that  approach  nearefl  to  it. 

The  Continent  of  America,  as  far  as  we  can  judge  from  all 
the  refearches  that  have  been  made  near  the  poles,  appears  to 
be  entirely  fcparated  from  the  other  quarters  of  the  world. 
That  part  of  Europe  which  approaches  nearefltoit,  is  thecoaft 
of  Greenland,  lying  in  about  fcventy  degrees  of  north  latitude; 
and  which  reaches  within  twelve  degrees  of  the  coaft  of  Labra- 
dor, fituated  on  the  north-eaft  borders  of  this.corftinent.  The 
coaft  of  Guiniffis  the  neareft  part  of  Africa;  which  1^'about 
eighteen  hundred  and  fixty  mil<?S  north-eaft  from  the  Brazils. 
The  moft  eaftcrn  coaft  of  Alia,  which  extends  to  the  Korean 
Sea  on  the  north  of  China,  projefts  north-eaft  through  eaftcrn 
Tartary  and  Kamfchatka  to  Siberia,  in  about  fixty  degrees  of 
north  latitude.  Towards  which  the  weilern  coafts  of  Ame- 
rica, from  California  to  the  Straights  of  Annian,  extend  near- 


*^'' 


'^' 


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r  04  1 


\y  north-wcft,  and  lie  in  about  forty-fix  degrees  of  the  fame 
latitude.  ^ 

Whether  the  Continent  ofr  America  ftretches  any  farther  north 
than,thefe  ftraights,  andjofnsto  the  eaftern  parts  of  Afia,  agres- 
able  to  what  has  been  aiferted  by  fome  of  the  writers  I  have 
quoted,  or  whether  the  lands  that  have  been  difcovered  in  the 
intermediate  parts  are  only  an  archipelago  of  illands,  verging 
towards  the  oppofite  continent,  is  not  yet  afcertained. 

It  being,  however,  certain  that  there  arc  many  confiderabic 
iflands  which  lie  between  the  extremities  of  Afia  and  America, 
viz.  Japon,  Jefo  or  Jedfo,  Gama's  Land,  Behring's  Ifle,  with 
many  others  difcovered  by  Tfchirikow,  and  befides  thcfe,  from 
tjfty  degrees  north  there  appearing  to  be  a  clufter  of  iflands  that 
reach  as  far  as  Siberia,  it  is  probable  from  theit  proximity  to 
America,  that  it  received  its  iirft  inhabitants  from  them. 

This  conclufion  is  the  mod:  rational  I  am  able  to  draw,  fup- 
pofing  that  fince  the  Aborigines  got  footing  on  this  continent, 
no  extraordinary  or  fudden  change  in  the  pofition  or  lurface  of 
it  has  taken  place,  from  inundations,  earthquakes,  or  any  re- 
volutions of  the  eartlkthat  we  are  at  prefdnt  unacquainted  with. 

To  me  it  appears  highly  improbable  that  it  fhould  have  been 
peopled  from  different  quarters,  acrcfs  the  Ocean,  as  others 
have  alTertcd.  From  the  ilze  of  the  Ihips  made  ufe  of  in  thofe 
early  ages,  and  the  ws&lt  of  the  compafs,  it  cannot  be  fuppofed 
that  any  maritime  nation  would  by  choice  venture  over  the  un- 
fathomable ocean,  in  fcarch  of  diftant  continents.  Had  this 
however  been  attempted,  or  had  America  been  iirlt  'accidental- 
ly peopled  from  (hips  freighted  with  paflengers  of  both  fexes, 
which  were  driven  by  flrong  carter ly  winds  acrofs  the  Atlantic, 
thefe  fettlers  miift  have  retained  fome  traces  of  the  language  of 
the  country  from  whence  they  mfgrated;  and  this  fince  the  dif- 
covery  of  it  by  the  Europeans  mull:  have  been  made  out.  Ital- 
fo  appears  extraordinary  that  feveral  of  thcfe 'accidental  migra- 
tions, as  allowed  by  forne,  and  thefe  from  different  parts,  iTiould 
have  taken  place. 

Upon  the  whole,  after  the  moft  critical  enquiries,  and  the 
matured  deliberation,  I  am  of  opinion,  that  America  received 
its  firft  inhabitants  from  the  nortb-eafl,  by  way  of  the  great 
archipelago  juft  mentioned,  and  from  thcfe  alone.  But  this 
might  have  been  effected  at  different  times,  and  from  various 
parts :  from  Tartary,  China,  Japon,  or  Kamfchatka,  the  inha- 
bitants of  thefe  phRces  refembling  each  other  in  colour,  features, 
and  ihape;  ^d  who,  before  fome  of  them  acquired  a  know- 
ledge of'the  arts  and  fciences,  miglit  have  likewife  refemblcd 
each  other  in  their  manners,  cM(loin|,  religion,  and  languag**** 

Th^  only  difference  between  th^hinefe  nation  and  the'l^r- 
tars  lies  in  the  cultivated  Hate  of  vne  one,  and  the  unpolifhed 
fituation  of  the  others.  The  forn|f/  have  become  a  commer- 
cial people,  and  dwell  in  houfes  fo/'med  into  regular  towns  and 
i<;ities;the,  latter  live  chiefly  in  tents,  and  rove  about  in  diffe- 
-.'■        ■      >^.-  ,   '  -  rent 


4k 


[    95    1 

rent  hords,  without  any  fixed  abode.  Nor  can  the  long  and? 
bloody  wars  thefe  two  nations  hav»been  engaged  in,  extermi- 
nate their  hereditary  fimilitude.  Theprefent  family  of  the  Chi- 
nife. emperors  is  of  Tartarian  extradlion;  and  if  they  were  not 
fcnfible  of  fome  claim  befide  that  of  conqueft,  fo  numerous  a 
people  would  fcarcely  fit  quiet  under  the  dominion  of  ftrangers. 

It  it  very  evident  that  fome  of  the  manners  and  cuftoms 
of  the  American  Indians  referable  thofe  of  the  Tartar^; 
and  I  make  no  doubt  but  that  in  fome  future  aera,  and  this  is 
not  a  very  diftant  one,  it  will  be  reduced  to  a  certainty,  that 
during  fome  of  the  wars  between  the  Tartars  and  the  Chinefe, 
a  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  provinces  were  driven 
from  their  native  country,  and  took  refuge  in  fome  of  the  ifles 
before-mentioned,  and  from  thence  fiound  their  way  into  America. 
At  different  periods  each  nation  might  prove  viftorious,  and 
the  conquered  by  turns  fly  before  their  conquerors;  and  from 
hence  might  arife  the  fimilitude  of  the  Indians  to  all  thefe 
people,  and  thatanimofity  which  exifis  between  fo  many  of  their 
tribes. 

It  appears  plainly  to  me  that  a  great  fimilarity  between  the 
Indian  and  Chinefe  is  confpicuous  in  that  particular  cuftom  of 
lliaving  or  plucking  off  the  hair,  and  leaving  only  a  fmall  tuft 
on  the  crown  of  the  head.  This  mode  ia^^faid  to  have  been  en- 
joined by  the  Tartarian  emperors  ontheir  acceflion  to  the  throne 
of  China,  and  confequently  is  a  further  proof  that  this  cuftom 
was  in  ufe  among  the  Tartars;  to  whom  as  well  as  the  Chinefe, 
the  Americans  might  be  indebted  for  it. 

Many  words  alfo  are  ufed  both  by  the  Chinefe  and  Indians, 
which  have  a  refemb  lance  to  each  other,  not  only  in  their  found. 
but  their  fignilication.  The  Chinefe  call  a  flave,  Ihungo;  and 
the  Naudoweflie  Indians,  whofe  language  from  their  little  inter- 
courfe  with  the  Europeans  is  the  leaft  corrupted,  term  a  dog, 
fljungulTi.  The  former  denominate  one  fpecies  of  their  tea, 
fhoufong;  the  latter  call  their  tobacco,  fhoufaflau.  Many  other 
of  the  words  ufed  by  the  Indians  contain  the  fyllables  che,  chaw, 
and  chu,  after  the  dialed!:  of  the  Chinefe.  5  ■ 

There  probably  might  be  found  a  fimilar  connexion  between 
the  language  of*the  Tartars  and  the  American  Aborigines,  were 
we  as  well  acquainted  with  it  as  we  are,  from  a  commercial  in- 
tcrcourfc,  with  that  of  the  Chinefe.  .Afc  '     V 

I  am  confirmed  in  thefe  conjedlures,  by  the  accounts  of  Kam« 
fchatka,  publiflied  a  few  years  ago  by  order  of  the^lmprefs  of 
Ruilia.  The  author  of  which  fays,  that  the  fea  which  divides 
that  peninfula  from  America  is  full  of  iflands;  and  that  the  dif- 
tance  between  Tfchukotskoi-Nofs.  a  promontory  which  li6s  at 
the  eaftern  extremity  of  that  country,  and  the  coaftof  America, 
is  not  more  than  two  degrees  and  a  half  of  a  great  circle.  He 
further  fays,  that  there  is  the  greateft  reafon  to  fuppofe  that 
Alia  and  America  once  joined  at  this  place,  as  the  coalls  of  both 
continents  appear  to  havv  botu  broken  into  capes  and  bays, 

whiclj 


*n  \ 


■•*n^:A 


IM' 


[    96    } 

•which  anfvver  each  other;  more  efpcciaflly  as  the  inhabitants 
of  ihis  part  of  both  refembk  each*  other  in  their  perlbns,  ha- 
bits, cuftoms,  and  food.  ^Their  language,  indeed,  he  obferves, 
does  n*ft  appear  to  be  the  fame,  but  then  the  inhabitants  of 
eath  diHrift  in  Kamfchatka  fpcak  a  language  as  different  from 
each  other,  as  from  that  fpoken  on  the  opposite  coaft.  Thefe 
oblcrvations,  to  which  he. adds,  the  fimiiarity'of  the  boats  of 
the  inhabitants  of  each  coaft,  and  a  remark  tliat  the  natives  of 
this  part  of  America  are  wlioliy  ftrangers  to  wine  and  tobacco, 
which  he  looks  upon  as  a  proof  that  they  have  as  yet  had  no 
communication  with  the  natives  of  Europe,  he  fays,  amount  to 
little  lefs  than  a  demonftration  that  America  was  peopled  from 
this  part  of  Afia. 

The  limits  of  my  prefent  undertaking  will  not  permit  me  to 
dwell  any  longer  on  this  fubjcdt,  or  to  enumerate  any  other 
proofs  in  favour  of  my  hypothefis.  I  am  however  fo  thorough- 
ly convinced  of  the  certainly  of  it,  awd  fo  defirous  have  I  been 
to  obtain  every  teftimony  which  can  be  procured  in  its  fupport, 
that  I  once  made  an  offer  to  a  private  fociety  of  gentlemen,  who 
were  curious  in  fuch  refearches,  and  to  whom  I  had  communi- 
cated my  fcntiitients  on  this  point,  that  I  would  undertake  a  jour- 
ney, on  receiving  fuch  fupplies  as  were  needful,  through  the 
north-eall  parts  of  Europe  and  Afia  to  the  interior  parts  of 
America,  and  from  thence  to  England;  making,  as  1  proceeded, 
fuch  obfervations  both  on  the  languages  and  manners  of  the 
people  with  whom  1  iTiould  be  convbrfant,  as  might  tend  to  il- 
luflrate  the  do6lrine  I  have  here  laid  down,  and  to  fatisfy  the 
curiofity  of  the  learned  or  inquifitive;  but  as  this  propofal  was 
judged  rather  tQ  require  a  national  than  a  privete  fupport,  it  was 
not  carried  into  execution. 

I  am  happy  to  find,  fince  I  formed  the  foregoing  conclufions, 
that  they  correfpond  with  the  fentiments  of  that  great  and  learn- 
ed hirtorian  Dodor  Robertfon ;  and  though,  with  him,  I  ac- 
knowledge that  the  invefligation,  from  its  nature,  is  fo  obfcure 
and  intricate,  that  the  conjeftures  I  have  made  can  only  be  con- 
fidered  as  conjcftures,  and  not  indifputable  conclufions,  yet  they 
carry  with  them  a  greater  degree  of  probability  than  the  fuppo- 
litiohs  of  thofe  who  alTcrt  that  this  continent  w»s  peopled  from, 
another  quarter.  -• 

One  of  the  Do6lor's  quotations  from  the  Journals  of  Behring 


and  Tfehirikow,  who  failed  from  Kamfchatka,  about  the  year 
1741,  in  (Uj^rt  of  the  New  World,  appears  to  carry  great  weight 
•f^ith  it,  am  to  afford  our  conclufions  firm  fupport :     "  Thefe 


**  commanders  having  fiiaped  their  courfe  towards  the  pafl,  dif- 
*'  covered  Ipd,  which  to  them  appeared  to  be  part  of  the  Ame- 
"  rican  continent;  and  according  to  their  obfervations,  itfeems 
**  to  be  fituated  within  a  few  degrees  of  the  north-wefl  coaftof 
*'  California.  Ihey  had  there  fome  intercourfe  with  the  inha- 
*'  bitants,  who  feemed  to  them  to  refemble  the  North-Ameri- 
*'  cans  J  as  they  prclented  to  the  Ruffians  the  Calumet  or  Pipe 


& 


F-'»l'»»,.^  , 


•       [     97    3    '     ' 

**  of  Peace,  which  is  a  fymbol  of  fricndfliip  unfverfa/  amon^ 
**  the  people  of  North  America,  and  an  ufage  of  arbitrary  in- 
"  ftitution  peculiar  to  them."  \ 

One  of  this  incomparable  writer'ii  own  arguments  in  fupport 
of  his  hypothefis,  is  alfo  urged  with  gfeat  judgment,  and  ap- 
pears to  be  nearly  conclufive.  He  fays,  "  We  may  lay  it  down 
*^  as  a  certain  principle  in  this  enquiry,  that  Ainerica  was  nut 
*^  peopled  by  any  nation  of  the  ancient  continent,  which  had 
**  made  confiderablc  progrcfs  in  civilization.  The  inhabitants 
'*  of  the  New  World  were  in  a  Hate  6f  focicty  fo  extremely 
**■  rude,  as  to  be  unacquainted'  with  ihofe  arts  which  are  the 
**  firft  elTays  of  human  i<lgcnuity  in  its  advance  towards  im- 
^*  provcmcnt.  Even  iHe  mofl  cultivated  nations  of  America 
**  were  Grangers  to  fnany  of  thofe  fimple  inventions,  which 
^*  were  aimofl  coeviil  with  fociety  in  other  parts  of  the  world, 
*'  and  were  known  in  the  carliell  periods  of  civil  life.  From 
**  this  it  is  manifeft  that  the  tribes  which  originally  migrated  to 
**  America,  came  off  from  nations  which  muft  have  been  no 
"  lefs  barbarous  than  their  pofterity,  at  the  time  when  they  were 
"  firrt  dlfcovered  by  the  Kuropeans.  If  ever  the  ufe  of  iron 
had  been  khown  to  the  ravages  of  America,  or  to  their  pro- 
genitors, if  ever  they  bad  employed  a  plough,  a  loom,  or  a 
forge,  the  utility  of  thele  inventions  would  have  prefcrvcd 
them,  and  it  is  impoffiblc  that  they  iTjould  have  been  aban- 
doned or  forfTottcii."  v  .'  **-«-■•■* 


li 


li 


a 


■h^i 


»      CHAPTER    II. 


t-' 


0/  their  Persons,  Dress,  6r. 


.-:?!- 


FR  O  M  the  firft  fettlement  of  the  French  in  Canada,  to  the 
conqucft  of  it  by  the  Englifli  in  1760,  feveral  of  that 
nation,  who  had  travelled  into  the  interior  parts  of  North 
America,  either  to  trade  with  the  Indians,  or  to  endeavour  to 
make  converts  'of  them  have  publiihed  accounts  of  their  cu- 
lloms,  manners,  &c. 

The  principal  of  thefe  are  Father  Louis  Hennipin,  Monf. 
Charlevoix,  and  the  Baron  Le  Houtan.  The  tirft,  many  years 
ago,  publilTied  fome  very  judicious  remarks,  which  he  was  the 
better  enabled  to  do  by  the  alfiitancche  received  from  Jhe  maps 
and  diaries  of  the  unfortunate  M.  De  la  Salle,  who  was  affaffinated 
whilll:  he  was  on  his  travels,  by  fome  of  his  own  party.  That 
gentleman's  journals  falling  into  Father  Hennipin's  hands,  he  was 
enabl^fi  by  them  to  publiih  many  inCcreHing  particulars  relative 

-v'-^^^  N  10 


■  .-"v,, 


'  .     [     98    1  '     ,   . 

to  the  Indians.  But  in  fome  refpefts  he  fell  very  ftort  of  ihat 
knowledge  which  it  w.ts  in  his  power  to  have  attained  from  his 
long  refidence  among  them.  Nor  was  he  always  (as  has  been 
already  obferved)  exad  injiis  calculations,  or  juil  in  the  Intel- 
li;;cnce  he  has  given  iis.  *  ,*^ 

The- accounts  publilTied  by  the  other  two,  particularly  thofe 
of  Charlevoix,  are  very  erroneous  in  the  geographical  parts, 
and  mai^  of  the  ftories  told  by  the  Baron  are  mere  delufi- 
ons. 

Some  of  the  Jefuits,  who  heretofore  travelled  into  thcfc 
parts,  have  alfo  written  on  this  fubjecl;  but  as  few,  if  any, 
of  their  works  have  been  tranflated  into  th^jpnglifh  language, 
the  generality  of  Readers  are  not  benefitedT>y  them;  and,  in- 
deed, had  this  been  done,  they  would  have  reapeibut  few  ad- 
vantages from  them,  as  they  have  chiefly  confined  their  oh- 
fcivations  to  the  religidus^principlcs  of  the  favages,  and  the 
ilcps  taken  for  their  converfion. 

Since  the  conquell:  of  Canada,  fome  of  our  own  countrymen, 
who  have  lived  among  the  Indians,  and  learned  their  language, 
have  publillied  their  obfervations ;  however  as  their  travels 
have  not  extended  to  any  of  the  interior  parts  I  treat  of,  but 
have  only  been  made  among  the  nations  that  border  on  our  fct- 
tlements,  a  knowledge  of  the  genuine  and  uncontaminated  cu- 
iloms  and  manners  of  the  Indians  could  not  have'been  acquired 
by  theln. 

The  fouthern  tribes,  and  thofe  that  have  held  a  conftant  in- 
lercourfe  with  the  French  or  Englifh,  cannot  have  preferv- 
,  ed  their  manners  or  their  cuftoms  in  their  original  purity. 
I'hey  could  not  avoid  acquiring  the  vices  with  the  language  of 
ttniffe  they  converfed  with ;  and  the  frequent  intoxications  they 
,<^perienccd  through  the  baneful  juices  introduced  among  them 
by  the  Europeans,  have  completed  a  total  alteration  in  their 
charafters. 

In  fuch  as  thefe,  a  confufed  medley  of  principles  or  ufagGs 
are  only  to  be  obferved;  their  real  and  unpolluted  cuftoms  could 
be  feen  among  thofe  nations  alone  that  have  held  but  little 
communications  with  the  provinces.  Thefe  I  found  in  the 
north- weft  parts,  and  therefore  flatter  myfelf  that  I  am  able  to 
give  a  more  juft  account  of  the  cuftoms  and  manners,  of  the  In- 
dians, in  their  ancient  purity,  than  any  that  has  been  hitherto 
publiftied.  1  have  made  obfervations  pn  thirty  nations,  and 
though  moft  of  thefe  have  differed  in  their  languages,  there  has 
appeared  a  great  fimiliarity  in  their  manners,  and  from  thefe 
have  I  endeavoured  to  extract  the  following  remarks. 

As  I  do  not  propofe  to  give  a  regular  and  connected  fyftem 
of  Indian  concerns,  but  only  to  relate  fuch  particulars  of  their 
manners,  cuftoms,  &c.  as  I  thought  moft  worthy  of  notice, 
and  which  interfere  as  little  as  poflTible  with  the  accounts  given 
by  other  writers,  1  muft  beg  my  Readers  to  excufe  their  not  be- 
.,.«../  ':        ■■    'k  arranse4 


»*  - 


•        •       t    99    1 

arranged  fyftcmaticall}^,  or  treated  of  in  a  more  copious  man* 
ncr. 

The  Indian  nations  do  not  appear  to  me  to  difFer  fo  widely 
in  tlieir  make,  colour,  or  conftitution  from  eacli  oihcr,  as  re- 
prefentcd  by  fome  writers.  They  are  in  general  flight  made, 
rather  tall  and  flrait,  and  you  feldom  fee  any  among  tliem  de- 
formed ;  their  skin  is  of  a  re^dilli  or  copper  colour;  their  eyes 
are  large  and  black,  and  their  hair  of  the  fama  hue,  but  very 
rarely  is  it  curled;  they  have  good  teeth,  and  their  breath  is  as 
I'weet  as  the  air  they  draw  in;  their  cheek-bones  rather  raifed, 
but  more  fo  in  the  women  than  the  men;  the  former  are  not 
(juite  fo  tall  as  the  European  women,  however  you  frequently 
meet  with  good  faces  and  agreeable  perfons  among  them,  al- 
though they  are  more  inclined  to  be  fat  than  the  other  fex. 

I  Aall  not  enter  into  a  particular  enquiry  whether  the  Indians 
are  indebted  to  nature,  art,  or  the  temperature  of  the  climate  for 
the  colour  of  their  skin,  nor  lliall  I  quote  any  of  the  contradictory 
accounts  I  have  read  on  this  fubjedl;  I  fhall  only  fay,  that  It  ap- 
pears tovme  to  be  the  tinftitre  they  received  originally  from  the 
hands  of  their  Creator;  but  at  what  period  the  variation  which 
is  at  prefent  vifible,  both  in  the  complexion  and  features  of  ma- 
ny nations  took  place,  at  what  time  the  European  whitenefs, 
the  jetty  hue  of  the  African,  or  the  copper  call  ofHhe  Americaij 
were  given  them;  which  was  the  origin^ colour  of  the  liril  in- 
habitants of  the  earth,  or  which  mighttTCefteemedthemoftper- 
feft,  I  will  not  pretend  to  determiner 

Many  writers  have  affertcd,  that  the  Indians,  even  at  the. 
matured  period  of  their  exiftence,  are  only  furnifhed 
with  hair  on  their  beads;  and  that  notwithftanding  the  profu- 
fion  with  which  that  part  is  covered,  thofe  parts  which  among 
the  inhabitants  of  other  climates  are  ufually  the  feat  of«this  ex- 
crcfcence,  remain  entirely  free  from  it.  Even  Doftor  Robertfon, 
through  their  mirref)refcntations,  has  contributed  to  propagata 
the  error;  and  fuppofing  the  remark  juHly  founded,  has  drawn 
feveral  conclufions  from  it  relative  to  the  habit  and  temperature 
of  their  bodies,  which  are  confequently  invalid.  But  from  mi- 
nute enquiries,  and  a  curious  infpection,  I  am  able  to  declare, 
(however  refpeclable  I  may  hold  the  authority  of  thcfe  hiftorians 
in  other  points)  that  their  affertions  arc  erroneous,  and  pro- 
ceeding from  the  want  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  cuftoms 
of  the  Indians.  "  ♦ 

After  the  age  of  puberty,  their  bodies,  in  their  natural  ftate, 
are  covered  in  the  fame  manner  as  thofe  of  the  Europeans.  The 
men,  indeed,  efleem  a  beard  very  unbecoming,  and  take  great 
pains  to  get  rid  of  it,  nor  is  there  any  ever  to  be  perceived  on 
their  faces,  except  when  they  grow  old,  and  become  inatten- 
tive to  their  appearance.  Every  crinous  eiflorel'cence  on  the 
other  parts  of. the  body  is  held  unfeemly  by  them,  and  both 
fcxes  employ  much  time  in  their  extirpation. 


V*. 


% 


.,^i  ',  .yS 


w:^ 


■■   ( 


*■-. 


■^ii'i 


'  [     100     J  ♦ 

The  Naudowcflics,  and  the  remote  natfons,  pluck  them  out 
with  bent  pieces  of  hard  wood,  formed  into  a 'kind  of  nippers; 
whilft  thofe  who  have  communication  with  Europeans  procure 
from  them  wire,  which  they  twill  into  a  fcreworM'orm;  apply* 
ing  this  to  the  part,  they  prefs  the  rings  together,  and  with  a 
fuddcn  twitch  araw  out  all  the  hairs  that  are  inclcfed  between 
them.      ' 

The  men  ofV*ery  nation  difTer  in  their  drcfs  very  little  from 
each  other,  except  thofe  who  trade  with  the  Europeans;  thel'c 
exchange  their  furs  for  blankets,  inirts  and  other  apparcl^whiclT 
they  wear  as  much  for  ornament  as  nccefljty.  The  latter  faflcn 
by  a  girdle  around  their  waifts  about  half  a  yard  of  broadcloth, 
which  covers  the  middle  parts  of  their  bodies.  Thofe  who 
'wear  IHirts  never  make  them  faft  cither  at  the  wrift  or  collar;^ 
this  would  be  a  moft  infufferablc  confinement  to  them.  They 
throw  their  blanket  loofc  upon  their  ihouldors,  and  holding  the 
upper  fide  of  it  by  the  two  corners,  with  a  knife  in  one  hand, 
and  a  tobacco  pouch,  pipe,  &c.  in  the  other ;  thus  accoutred 
they  walk  about  in  their  villages  or  camps:  but  in  their  dances 
<hey  feldom  wear  this  covering. 

Thofe  among  the  men  who  wifh  to  appear  gayer  than  the 
reft,  pluck  from  their  heads  all  the  Iwir,  except  from  a  fpot  ou 
the  top  of  it,*about  the  fize  of  a  crown  piece,  where  it  is  per- 
mitted to  grow  to  a  confiderable  length :  on  this  arc  faflened 
plumes  of  feathers  of  various  colours,  with  filvcr  or  ivory  quills. 
The  manner  of  cutting  and  ornamenting  this  part  of  the  head 
diftinguiflies  different  nations  from  each  other. 

They  paint  their  faces  red  and  black,  which  they  eftcem  as 
greatly  ornamental.  They  alio  paint  thcmfelves  when  they  go 
to  war;  but  the  method  they  make  ufc  of  on  this  occafion  dif- 
fers from  that  wherein  tbcy  ufe  it  merely  as  a  decoration. 

The  young  Indians,  who  arc"  defirous  of  exccllirg  their  com- 
panions in  finery,  flit  the  outward,  rim  of  both  their  ears;  at  the 
fame  -time  they  take  care  not  to  fcparate  them  entirely,  but 
leave  the  flclTi  thus  cut,  ftill  untouched  at  both  extremities : 
aro^nd  this  fpongy  fubftance,  from  the  upper  to  the  lower  part, 
they  tMjk  brafs  wire,  till  the  weight  draws  the  amputated  rim 
into  a  bow  of^ve  or  fix  inches  diameter,  and  drags  it  almoll 
down  to  the  fliQuldcr.  This  decoration  is  cftecmcd  to  be  e.v 
ceffively  gay  and  becoming. 

It  is  alio  a  common  cullom  among  them  to  bore  their  nofes, 
and  wear  in  then  pendants  of  diftcvcnt  forts.  I  obferved  that 
fca  fliells  were  much  worn  by  thofe  of  the  interior  parts,  and 
reckoned  very  ornamental,*  but  how  they  procure  them  I  could 
not  learn;  probably  lay  their  trallic  with  other  nations  nearer 
the  fca. 

They  go  without  any  covering  for  the  thigh,  except  tliat  be- 
fore fpoken  of,  round  the  middte,  which  reaches   down    half 
way  the  thighs,-  but  they  make  for  their  legs  a  fart  of  Hocking,. 
Either  of  skins  or  cloth:  thefc  arc  Icwed  as  near  to  the  i7ja|>e 
' ,  of 


t^f 


Jt 


of  the  icg  as  poffiblc,  fo  as  to  admit  of  being  drawn  on  and  off. 
The  edges  of  the  ftuft' of  which  they  are  compofcd  are  left  an- 
nexed to  the  fcam,  and  hang  loofe  for  about  the  breadth  of  4 
hand;  and  this  part,  which  is  phiccd  on  the  outlidc  of  the  Icgi 
in  generally  ornamented  by  ihofe  who  have  any  communication 
with  Europeans,  if  of  cloth,  with  ribands  or  lace,  if  of  leather, 
with  embroidery  and  porcupine  quills  curioufly  coloured.  Stran"^ 
gers  who  lumt  among  the  Indians,  in  the  parts  wlwrc  there  is  i 
great  deal  of  fnow,  lind  thefe  ftockings  much  moic  convenient 
than  any  others. 

Their  ihoes  are  made  of  the  skin  of  the  deer,  elk,  or  bufFar- 
lo :  thefc,  after  being  Ibmctimcs  drciTed  according  to.  the  Eu- 
ropean manner,  at  others  with  the  hair  remaining  on  them,  ars 
cut  into  Ihoes,  and  fafhioned  fo  as  to  be  eafy  to  the  feet,  and 
convenient  for  walJiing.  The  edges  round  the  uncle  are  deco- 
rated with  pieces  of  brafs  or  tin  tixed  around  leather  llrings. 
, about  an  inch  long,  which  being  placed  very  thick,  make  a 
cheerful  tinkling  noife  cither  when  they  walk  or  dance. 

The  women  wear  a  covering,  of  fome  kind  or  other  from  the 
neck  to  ihc  knees.  Thofe  who  trade  with  the  Europeans  wear 
a.linen  garment,  the  famoas  that  ufcd  by  the  men;  the  flapsof 
which  hang  over  the  petticoat.  Such  as  drcfs  after  their  ancient 
manner,  make  a  kind  of  fhift  with  leather,  which  covers  the 
body  but  not  the  arms.  Their  petticoats  are  made  either  of 
leather  or  cloth,  and  reach  from  the  waifl  to  the  knee.  On 
their  legs  they  wear  ftockings  and  flaoes,niadc  and  ornamented 
»s  thol'e  of  the  men. 

They  differ  from  each  other  in  the  mode  of  drefRng  their 
hgads,  each  follov/ing  thecullomof  the  nation  or  band  to  which 
tlK.7  belong,  and  adhering  to  the  form  made  ufc  of  by  their  au- 
certors  from  time  immemorial. 

I  remarked  that  molV  of  the  females,  who  dwell  on  the  caft 
fide  of  the  Miflidippi,  decorate  their  heads  by  inclofing  their 
hair  cither  iii  ribands,  or  in  plates  of  filver;  thelatter  is  only 
made  ule  of  by  the  higher  ranks,  as  it  is  a  coftly  ornament. 
The  filver  they  ufe  on  this  occafion  is  formed  into  thin^lates 
of  about  four  inches  broad,  in  feveral  of  which  they  confine 
their  hair.  That  plate  which  is  neareft  thc.head  is  of  a  con- 
fiderable  width;  the  next  narrower,  and  made  fo  as  to  pafs  a 
Uttle  way  under  the  other,  and  in  this  manner  they  faften  into 
each  other,  and  gradually  tapering,  defcendto  thewaift.  The 
hair  of  the  Indian  women  bej^g  ingeneral  very  long,  this  proves 
an  expenfive  method. 

]iut  the  women  that  live  to  the  weft  of  the  MifCfflppi,  viz. 
the  Naudowcllies,  the  Allinipoils,  &c.  divide  their  hair  in  the 
middle  of  the  head,  and  form  it  into  two  rolls,  one  againll 
.each  ear.  Thefe  rolls  are  about  tl|ree  inches  long,  and  as 
large  as  their  wrills.  They  hang  in  a  perpendicular  attitudeat 
the  front  of  each  car,  and  defcend  as  far  as  the  lower  part  of 


V 


(    ro2    1    '  'S 

The  nomcn  of  every  nation  generally  place  a  fpot  of  pafnt, 
about  the  fizc  of  a  crown-piece,  aj^ainll  each  earj  fomeof  them 
^tit  pamt  on  their  hair,  and  fomctinies  a  finallfpot  in  themiddlc 
of  the  forehead. 

The  Indians,  in  general,  pay  a  greater  attention  to  their 
drefs,  and  to  the  ornaments  with  which* they  decorate  their  per- 
ibns,  than  to  the  accommodation  of  their  huts  or  tents.  They 
conftruft  tho  latter  in  the  following  fimpic  and  expeditious 
manner. 

Being  provided  with  poles  of  a  proper  length,  they  faftcn  two 
of  them  acrofs,  near  their  ends,  with  hands  made  of  hark. 
Having  done  this,  they  raife  them  up,  and  extend  the  bottom 
of  each  as  wide  as  they  purpofe  to  make  the  area  ot  the  tent: 
they  then  ereft  others  of  an  equal  height,  and  fix  them  fo 
asiofupport  tne  two  principal  ones.  On  the  whole  they  lay 
skins  of  the  elk  or  deer,  fevved  together,  in  quantity  fuflicient 
to  cover  the  poles,  and  by  lapping  over  to  form  the  door.  A 
great  number  of  skins  are  fometimcs  required  for  this  purpofe, 
as  fome  of  their  tents  are  very  capacious.  That  of  thu  chief 
tvarrior  of  the  Naudoweflles  was  at  leaft  forty  feet  in  circum- 
ference, and  very  commodious. 

They  obferve  no  regularity  in  fixing  their  tents  when  they 
encamp,  but  place  them  ju ft  as  ft  Ciiits  thsir  conveniency. 

The  huts  alfo,,  which  thofe  who  ufe  not  tents,  eredt  when 
they  travel,  for  very  few  tribes  have  fixed  abodes,  or  regular 
towns,  or  villages,  are  equally  fimple,  and  almoft  as  foon  con- 
flruftcd. 

They  frx  fmall  pliable  poles  in  the  ground,  and  bending  them 
till  they  meet  at  the  top  and  form  a  fcmi-circlc,  then  lalh  them 
together.  Thefe  they  cover  with  mats  made  of  rulTics  "platted, 
or  with  birch  bark,  which  they  carry  with  them  in  their  canoes 
for  this  purpofe. 

Thefe  cabins  have  neither  chimnies  nor  windows ;  there  Is 
only  a  fmall  aperture  left  in  the  middle  of  the  roofs  through 
which  the  fmpke  is  difcharged,  but  as  this  is  obliged  to  be  (lop- 
ped lAwhen  it  rains  or  fnows  violently,  the  fmoke  then  proves 
exceedingly  troublefome. 

They  lie  on  skins,  generally  thofe  of  the  bear,  which  are 
placed  in  rows  on  the  ground;  and  if  the  floor  is  not  laige 
enough  to  contain  beds  fuflicient  for  the  accommodation  oKhe 
whole  family,  a  frame  is  erefted  about  four  or  live  feet  from 
the  ground,  in  which  the  younger tpart  of  it  fleep. 

As  the  habitations  of  the  Indians  are  thus  rude,  their  do- 
iTieflic  utenfils  are  few  in  number,  and  plain  in  their  formation. 
The  tools  wherewith  they  falhion  them  are  fo  aukward  and  de- 
fective, that  it  is  not  only  impoflible  to  form  them  with  any  dfii? 
gree  of  neatnefs  or  elegaifec,  but  the  time  required  in  the  exe- 
cution is  fo  confiderable,  as  to  deter  them  from  engaging  in  the 
manufafture  of  fuch  as  are  not  abfoluteiy  neccflary. 
Tiie  NaudowefCes  aukQ  the  potb  in  which  they  boilthdr  vie- 
^  ■  «       t«als 


tiiols  of  the  black  clay  or  ftone  mentioned  1n  my  journal i  which 
relilh  the  cfTcds  of  the  tire,  nearly  as  well  as  iron.  When 
they  road,  if  it  is  a  large  joint,  or  a  whole  animal,  fuch  as  a 
beaver,  they  lix  it  as  Europeans  do,  on  a  fpit  made  of  a  bard 
wood,  and  placing  the  ends  ontwo  forked  props,  now  and  then 
turn  it.  If  the  piece  is  fnialler  they  fpit  it  as  before,  and  fixing 
the  fpit  in  an  ercft  but  flantitig  pofition,  with  the  meat  inclin- 
ing toward!i*the  lire,  frequently  change  the  fides,  till  every  parj; 
is  fufficiently  roaflcd. 
^  They  make  their  dirties  in  which  they  ferve  up  their  meat, 
apd  their  bowls  and  pans,  out  of  the  knotty  cxcrefcences  of 
the  maple  tree,  or  any  other  wood.  They  falTiion  their  fpoons 
with  a  tolerable  degree  of  neatnefs  (as  thefe  require  much  lela 
trouble  than  large  utenfils)  from  a  wood  that  is  termed  inAmo 
rica  Spoon  Wood,  and  which  greatly  refembles  bo«  wood. 

Every  tribe  are  now  poireilud  ot  knives,  and  ftecls  to  ftrlkc 
fire"  with.  Thefe  being  fo  cflcntially  needful  for  the  common 
iifcsoflifc,  thofe  who  have  not  an  immediate  communication 
witit  the  European  traders,  purchafe  them  of  fuch  their  neigh- 
bours as  are  fituated  nearer  the  ftJtlemcnts,  and  generally  give 
in  exchange  for  them  flaves.    -.  :•  -     . 


■'■^'iifi 


CHAPTER     Iir.    »  r 


Of  their  Manners,  Oualifications,    ^V. 


WHEN  the  Indian  women  fit  down,  they  place  themfelves 
in  a  decent  attitude,  with  their  knees  clofe  together; 
but  from,  being  accii'ftomed  to  this  pollure,  they  walk  badly, 
and  appear  to  be  lame. 

They  have  no  midwives  amongft  themy  their  climate,  or  feme 
, peculiar  happinefs  in  their  conftitutions,  rendering  any  aflift- 
ance  at  that  time  unnecelTary.  On  thefe  occafions  they  are  con- 
fined *ut  a  few  hours  from  their  ufual  employmenrs,  which  are 
commonly  very  laborious,  as  the  men,  who  are  remarkably  in- 
dolent, leave  to  them  every  Wind  of  drudgery;  even  ih  their 
hunting  parties  the  former  will  not  deign  to  bring  home  tb« 
game,  but  fend  their  wives  for  it,  though  it  lifes  at  a  very  cpn-'^ 
fiderable  diftance. 

The  women  place  their  children  foon  after  they  are  born  on 
boards  fluffed  with  foft  mofs,  fuch  as  is  found-}lV:-}nora{res  or 
meadows.  The  child  is  laid  on  its  back  in  one  of  tht^fe  kind  of 
cradles,  and,  being  wrapped  in  skins  or  cloth  to  keep  it  warm, 
is  fecured  in  It  by  finail  bent  pieces  of  timber.. 

■-N..  ..-.•#  To. 


I* » 


TV 


•'    (     104    1 

To  thefe  machines  they  fallen  ftrings,  by  which  they  hang 
them  to  branches  of  trees ;  or  if  they  find  not  trees  at  hand, 
turten  them  to  a  ftump  or  ftone,  whilll  they  tranfai5l  any  needfcil 
biifinefsf.  In  this  pofition  are  the  children  kept  forfomemonth«5» 
When  they  arc  taken  out,  the?'  boys  are  fuffcred  to  go  nakcd» 
and  the  girk  arc  covered  from  the  neck  to  the  knees  with  a  lliift 
and  a  ihort  petticoat. 

•  The  Indian  women  are  remarkably  decent  dining  their  men- 
ftriial  illnefs.  Thofc  nations  that  are  moft  remote  from  the 
European  fettlements,  as  the  Naudowe/Hes,  &c.  are  more  par- 
.Ctcnlarly' attentive  to  this  point;  though  they  all  without  excep- 
tion adhere  in  foine  degree  to  the  fame  cuftom. 

In  every  camp  or  town  there  is  an  appiirtment  appropriated 
for  their  retirement  at  this  time,  to  which  both  fingle  and  mar- 
ried retreat,  and  feclude  themfelves  with  the  utmoft  ftriftnefj 
during  this  period  from  all  fociety.  Afterwards  they  purify 
themfelves  in  running  rtrcams,  and  return  to  their  different  em- 
ployments. 

The  men  on  thefe  occafions  mod;  carefully  avoid  holding  any 
communication  with  them;  and  the  Naudowcflies  arcfo  rigidin 
this  obfervance,  that  they  will  not  fufFer  any  belonging  to  them 
to  fetch  fuch  things  as  are  nccelfary,  even  Hre,  from  tliefe  fe- 
male lunar  retreats,  though  the  want  of  them  is  attende<l  with 
the  grcateft  inconvenience.  They  are  alfo  fo  fupcrftitious  as  to 
think,  if  a  pipe  ftem  cracks,  which  among  them  is  madeofwood, 
that  the  poflTeflbr  has  either  lighted  it  at  one  of  thefe  polluted 
fires,  or  held  fome  converfe  with  a  woman  during  her  retire- 
ment, which  is  cfteemedby  them  moft  difgraceful  and  wicked. 

The  Indians  are  extremely  circumfpecl  and  deliberate  in  evc- 
ly  word  and  aftion;  there  is  nothing  that  hurries  them  into  any 
intemperate  warmth,  but  that  inveteracy  to  their  enemies, 
Vrhich  is  rooted  in  every  Indian  heart,  and  never  can  be  era- 
dicated. In  all  other  inrtances  they  are  cool,  and  remarkably 
cautious,  takinj^  care  not  to  betray  on  any  account  whatever 
their  emotions.  If  an  Indian  has  difcovered  that  a  friend  is  in 
danger  of  being  intercepted  and  cut  of  by  one  to  whom  he  has 
rendered  himfelf  obnoxious i  he  does  not  inform  him  in  plain 
and  explicit  terms  of  the  danger  he  runs  by  purfuing  the  track 
near  which  his  enemy  lies  in  wait  for  him,  but  he  iirft  cooly 
asks  him  which  way  he  is  going  that  day;  and  having  received 
his  anfwer,  with  the  fame  indifference  telU  him  that  he  has 
been  informed  that  a  dog  lies?  near  the  fpot,  which  might 
probably  do  him  a  mifchief  This  hint  proves  fufficient;  and  his 
friend  avoids  the  danger  with  as  much  caution  as  if  every  defiga 
and  motion  of  his  enemy  had  been  pointed  out  to  him. 

This  apathy  often  Ihews  itfclf  on  occafions  that  would  call 
forth  all  the  fervour  of  a  fufceptible  heart.  If  an  Indian  h^S 
been  abfent  from  his  family  and  friends  many  months,  either  oil 
a  war  or  hunting  party,  when  his  wife  and  children  meet  him  at 
fome  dillancc  from  his  habitation,  inllcad  of  the  affedtionate  fq 


C    105    1 

fations  that  would  naturally  arife  in  the  breaft  of  more  refined . 
beings,  and  be  produftive  of  mutual  congratulations,  he  conti- 
nues his  courfe  without  paying  the  leaft  attention  to  thofe  who 
furround  him,  till  he  arrives  at  hjs  honie. 

He  there  (its  down,  and  with  the  fume  unconcern  as  if  he 
had  not  been  abfent  a  day,  fmokej'his  pipe;  thofe  of  his  ac- 
quaintance who  have  followed  fcrim,  do  the  famei  and  perhaps 
it  is  feveral  holirs  before  he  relates  to  them  the  incidents  which 
have  befallen  him  during  hi*  abfence,  though  perhaps  he  has 
left  a  father,  brother,  or  fbn  on  the  field,  whofe  lofs  he  oughtf'"^ 
to  have  lamented,  or  has  been  unfucccfsful  in  the  undertaking 
that  called  him  from  his  home.  : .  * 

Has  an  Indian  befen  engaged  for  feveral  days  in  the  chace,  or  on 
any  otherilborious  expedition,  and  by  accident  continued  thus 
long  without  food,  when  he  arrives  at  the  hut  or  tent  of  a  friend 
where  he  knows  hi?  wants  may  fee  immediately  fupplied,  betakes 
tare  not  to  iTiow  the  leall  fymptoms  of  impatience,  or  to  be- 
tray the  extreme  hunger  by  which  he  is  tortured;  but  on  being 
invited  in,  fits  contentedly  down,  and  fmokes  his  pipe  with  as 
much  compofure  as  if  every  appetite  was  allayed,  and  he  was 
perfeftly  at  eafe;  he  does  the  fame  if  among  ftrangers.  This 
cuftom  i$  ftriftlj^  adhered  to  by  every  tribe,  as  they  efteem  it  a 
proof  of  fortitude,  and  think  the  reverfe  would  intitle  them  to 
the  appellation  of  old  women.  ^^     _, 

If  you  teli  an  Indian  that  his  chiklren  have  greatly  fignalized 
themfeives  againfian  enemy,  have  taken  many  fcalps,  and  brought 
home  many  prifoners,  he  does  not  appear  to  feel  any  extraor- 
dinary plcafure  on  the  occafion ;  his  anfwer  generally  is,  "  Ic 
*'  is  well/'  and  he  makes  very  little  further  enquiry  about  it. 
On  the  contrary,  if  you  inform  him  that  his  children  are  flainor 
taken  prifoners,  he  makes  no  complaints,  he  only  replies,  "  Ic 
"  docs  not  fignify;"  and  probably,  for  fome  time  atleaft>  asks 
not  how  it  happened. 

This  feeming  indifference,  however,  does  not  proceed  from 
an  eritire  fuppreffion  of  the  natural  affeclions ;  for  notwithftand- 
ing  they  are  elleemed  favages,  I  never  faw  among  any  other 
people  greater  proofs  of  parental  or  filial  tendernefs;  and  al- 
though they  meet  their  wiveb  after  a  long  abfence  with  the 
ftoical  indifference  juft  mentioned,  they  are  not,  in  general,  void 
of  conjugal  affefition. 

Another  peculiarity  is  obfervable  in  their  manner  of  paying 
their  vifits.  If  an  Indian  goes  to  vifit  a  particular  perfon  in  4 
family,  he  mentions  to  whom  his  vifit  is  intended,  and  the  reft 
of  the  family  immediately  retiring  to  the  other  end  of  the  hut 
br  tent,  circ  careful  not  to  come  near  enough  to  interrupt  themi 
during  the  whole  of  the  converfation.  The  fame  method  is 
■purfiled  if  a  man  goes  to  pay  his  rsfpefts  to  one  of  the  oth^ 
fex;!  but  then  he  nuift  be  careful  not  to  let  love  be  the  fubjcftolE 
M&  olifcouile,  whilil  the  day  light  remains. 

O  ■   The 


V 


«s* 


K'Ci 


C     106     ] 

The  Indians  clifcover  an  amazing  fagacity,  and  acquire  with 
the  greateft  readinefs  anything  that  depends  upon  the  attentioft 
of  the  mind.  By  experience  and  an  acute  obleivation,  they 
attain  many  perfeftions  tb  which  Europeans  are  ftrangers.  For 
.  inftance,  they  will  crofs  a  foreft  or  a  plain  which  is  twotiundred 
miles  in  breadth,,  and  reach  with  great  exaflnefs  the  point  at 
which  they  intended  to  arrive,  keeping  during  the  whole  ofthat 
fpacc  in  a  direct  line,  without  any  material  deviations;  and 
this  they  will  do  with  the  fame  eafe,  whether  the  weather  he 
fair  or  cloudy. 

With  equal  acutcnefs  will  they  point  to  that  part  of  the  hea- 
vens the  fun  is  in,  though  it  be  intercepted  by  clouds  or  fogs. 
Befides  this,  they  are  able  to  purfue  with  incredible  facility  tite 
traces  of  man  or  bead,  either  on  leaves  or  grafs ;  sad  on  this 
account  it  is  with  great  difficulty  a  flying  enemy  efc^^es  difco- 
very. 

They  are  indebted  for  thcfc  talents  not  only  to  nature,  but 
to  an  extraordinary  command  of  the  intellcftual  faculties,  which 
can  only  be  acquired  by  an  unremitted  attention,  and  by  long 
experience. 

They  are  in  general  very  happy  in  a  retentive  memory ;  they 
can  recapitulate  every  particular  that  has  been  treated  of  in 
council,  and  remember  the  cxaft  time  when  thefe  were  'held. 
Their  belts  of  wampum  preferve  the  fubftance  of  the  treaties 
they  have  concluded  with  the  neighbouring  tribes  for  ages  back, 
to  which  they  will  appeal,  and  refer  with  as  much  perfpicuity 
and  readinefs  as  Europeans  can  to  their  written  records. 

Every  nation  pays  great  rcfpeft  to  old  age.  The  advice  of 
a  father  will  feldom  meet  with  any  extraordinary  attention  from 
the  young  Indians,  probably  they  receive  it  with  only  a  bare 
aflent;  but  they  will  tremble  before  a  grandfather,  and  fubmit 
to  his  injunftion  with  the  utmoft  alacrity.  The  words  of  the 
ancient  part  of  their  community  are  erteemed  by  the  young  as 
oracles.  If  they  take  during  their  hunting  parties  any  game 
-that  is  reckoned  by  them  uncommonly  delicious,  it  is  immedia- 
tely prefented  to  the  oldeft  of  their  relations.  ij-i* 

They  never  fulfcr  thenifelvcs  to  be  overburdened  with  care, 
but  live  in  a  ftate  of  perfect  tranquillity  and  contentment.  .  Being 
naturally  indolent,  if  proviiion  juft  fufficicnt  for  their  fubfiltencc 
can  be  procured  with  little  tfouble,  and  near  at  hand,  they  will 
not'go  far,  or  take  any  extraordinary  pains  for  it,  though  by  fo 
„.  doing  they  might  acquire  greater  plenty,  and  of  a  more  eftim-  " 
■  able  kind. 

Having  much  leifiire  time  they  indulge  this  indolence  to 
which  they  arc  fo  prone,  by  eating,  drinking,  or  ilcepingj,  an4 
rambling  about  in  their  towns  or  camps.  But  when  neaeffity 
obliges  rhem  to  take  the  ticld,  cither  to  oppole  an  enemy,  lor  to 
jlrocure  themfclves  food,  they  are  alert  and  indefatigable. ^JVIa- 
ny  inftances  of  their  activity,  on  thcfc  oecalions,  will  be^iven 
when  I  treat  of  their  wars.  »^    "  f 


.........v, 


r  "7 1 


"** 


i-:, 


■■'Hi 


*  The  infatuating  fpirit  of  gaming  is  not  confined  to  Europe ; 
the  Indians  alfo  feel  the  bewitching  impulfe,  and  often  loie 
their  arms,  their  apparel,  and  every  thing  they  are  poffelTed  of. 
In  this  Sife,  however,  they  do  not  follow  the  example  of  more 
relined  gameflers,  for  they  neither  murmur  nor  repine;  not  a 
fretful  word  efcapes  them,  but  they  bear  the  frowns  of  fortune 
with  aphilofophiccompofure. 

The  greateft  blemilTi  in  their  charaftej  is  that  favage  difpofi- 
tion  which  impels  them  to  treat  their  enemies  with  a  fcverity 
every  other  nation  fhudders  at.  But  if  they  are  thus  barba- 
rous to  thofe  with  whom  they  are  at  war,  they  are  friendly,  hof- 
pitable,  and  humane  in  peace.  It  may  with  truth  be  faid  of 
them,  that  they  are  the  word  enemies,  and  the  beft  friends,  of 
any  people  in  the  M'hole  world. 

The  Indians  in  general  are  ftrangers  to  the  paffion  of  jealou- 
fy;  and  brand  a  man  with  folly  that  is  diftruftful  of  hii  wife. 
Among  feme  bands  the  very  Idea  is  not  known,*  as  the  moft 
abandoned  of  their  young  men  very  rarely  attempt  the  virtue  of 
married  women,  laor  do  thefe  often  put  themfelves  in  the  way 
of  folicltation.  Yet  the  Indian  women  m  general  ^are  of  au ' 
amorous  temperature,  and  before  they  are  married  arc  not  the 
lefs  efteeflSed  for  the  indulgence  of  their  paffions. 

The  Indians  in  their  common  ftate  are  ftrangers  to  all  diftinc- 
tion  of  property,  -except  in  the  articles  of  domeftic  ufe,  which 
every  one  confiders  as  his  own,  and  increafes  as  circumftances 
admit.  They  are  extremely  liberal  to  each  other,  and  fupply 
the. deficiency  of  their  friends  with  any  fuperflulty  of  their  own. 

In  dangers  they  readily  give  affiftance  to  thofe  of  their  band, 
who  ftand  in  need  of  it,  without  any  expedation  of  return,  ex- 
cept of  thofe  jufl:  rewards  that  are  always  conferred  by  the  In- 
dians on  merit.  Governed  by  the  plain  and  equitable  laws  of 
nature,  every  one  is  rewarded  folely  according  to  his  deferts ; 
and  their  equality  of  condition,  manners,  and  privileges,  with 
that  conftant  and  fociable  familiarity  which  prevails  through- 
out every  Indian  nation,  animates  them  with  a  pure  and  truly  pa* 
triotic  fpirit,  that  tends  to  the  general  good  of  the  fociety  to 
which  they  belong. 

If  any  of  t^ir  neijghbours  are  bereaved  by  death,  or  by  an 
enertiy  of  their  children,  thofe  who  are  poflefled  of  the  greateft 
number  of  Haves,  fupply  the  deficiency;  and  thefe  are  adopted 
by  them,  and  treated  in  every  refpeft  as  if  they  really  were 
the  children  of  the  perfon  to  whom  they  are  prefented. 

The  Indians,  except  thofe  who  live  adjoining  to  the  Europe- 
an colonies,  can  lorm  to  themfelves  no  idea  of  the  value  of  mo- 
ney; they  confider  it,  when  they  are  made  acquainted  with  the 
ufes  to  which  it  is  applied  by  other  nations,  as  the  fource  of  in- 
numerable evils.  Xo  it  they  attribute  all  the  mifchiefs  that 
are  p'-evalent  among  Europeans,  fuch  as  treachery,  pliuidenng, 
.  dcvaftations,  andmurdex.  ^,*'  -': 
Wy,^  f  .,..>_••  They 


M- 


tot    ] 

,  They  efleem  ft  irwtional  that  one  man  (Jiould  be  poflefledof 
a  greater  quantity  than  another,  and  are  amazed  that  any  honour 
ihould  be  annexed  to  the  poflTefllon  of  it.  But  that  the  want  of 
this  ufeiefs  metal  (hould  be  the  caufe  of  depriving  pdrfons  of 
their  liberty,  and  that  on  account  of  this  partial  diftribution  of 
it,  great  numbers  fliould  be  immured  within  the  dreary  walls  of 
a  prifon,  cut  off  from  that  fociety  of  which  they  conftitute  a 
part,  exceeds  their  belief.  Nor  do  they  /ail,  on  hearing  this 
part  of  the  European  fyftem  of  government  related,  to  charge 
the  inftitutors  of  it  with  a  total  want  of  humanity,  and  to  brand 
them  with  the  names  ot  favages  and  brutes.' 

They  fhew  almoft  an  equal  degree  of  indifference  for  thepro- 
duftions  of  art.  When  any  of  thefe  arc  Ihcwn  them,  they  fay, 
**  It  is  pretty,  I  like  to  look  at  it,"  but  are  not  inquifitive  about 
the  conftruftion  of  it,  neither  can  they  form  proper  c  onceptioiis 
of  its  ufe.  But  if  you  tell  them  of  a  perfon  who  is  able  to  run 
with  great  agility,  that  is  well^illed  inhuming,  can  direftwitb 
unerring  aim  a  gun,  or  bend  with  eafe  a  bow,  that  can  dex- 
troufly  work  a  canoe,  underftands  the  art  6f  war,  is  acquainted 
with  the  fituation  of  a  country,  and  can  make  his  way. without 
a  guide,  through  an  immenfe  foreft,  fubfifting  during  this  on  a 
fmall  quantity  of  provifions,  they  are  in  raptures ;-^ey  liflen 
with  great  attention  to  the  pleafing  tale,  and  beftow  the  highell 
commendations  on  the  hero  of  it. 


'chapter    IV. 


■4'     f 


#• 


T^eir  Method  of  reckoning  Time,   6r. 


«s. 


r 


CONSIDERING  their  ignorance  of  aftronpmy,  time  is 
very  rationally  divided  by  the  Indians.  ^j^H^)^  in  the  in- 
terior parts  (and  of  thofe  I  would  generally  be  underftood  to 
fpeak)  count  their  years  by  winters ;  or,  as  they  exprefs  them- 
felves,  by  fnows. 

Some  nations  among  them  reckon  their  years  bylnoons,  and 
make  them  confift  of  twelve  fynodicalor  lunar  months,  obferv- 
ing,  when  thirty  moons  have  waned,  to  add  a  fupernumerary 
one,  which  they  term  the  loft  moon ;  and  then  begin  to  count 
as  before.  They  pay  a  great  regard  to  the  firft  appearance  of 
every  moon,  and  on  the  occaiion  always  repeat  lome  joyful 
founds,  ftretching  at  the  fame  time  their  hands  towards  it. 

Every  month  has  with  them  a  name  expreflive  of  its  ff(ifon,| 
tor  inftance,  they  call  the  month  of  March  (in  which  their  y  '^"^ 


C    109    1 

generally  begins  at  the  firft  New  Moon  after  the  vernal  Equinox) 
the  Worm  Month  or  Moon;  bccaiife  at  this  time  the  worms  quit 
their  retreats  in  the  bark  of  the  trees,  wood,  &c,  where  they 
have  fhelfcered  themfelves  during  the  winter. 

The  month  of  April  is  termed  by  them  the  month  of  Plants. 
May,  the  Month  of  Flowers.  June,  the  Hot  Moon.  July, 
the  Buck  Moon.  Their  reafon  for  thus  denominating  thete  is 
obvious.  ^ 

Auguft,  the  Sturgeon  Moon;  becaufe  in  this  month  they  catch 
great  liuinbcrs  of  that  fifh, 

Septenibcr,  the  Corn  Moon,-  becaufe  in  that  month  they  ga« 
ther  in  iheir  Indian  corn.  ..-  ,/ n         ,  . 

Oftober,  the  Travelling  Moon;  as  they,  leave/ at  this  time 
their  villages,  and  travel  towards  the  places  where  they  intend 
to  hunt  during  the  winter. 

November,  the  Beaver  Moon ;  for  in  this  month  the  beavers 
begin  to  take  ihelter  in  their  houfes,  having  laid  up  a  fufficient 
(lore  of  provifions  for  the  winter  feafon. 

December,  the  Hunting  Moon,  becaufe  they  employ  tl^^month 
in  purfuit  of 'their  game.  >• 

January,  the  Cold  Moon,  as  it  generally  freezes  harder,  aflijl 
the  cold  is  more  intenfe  in  this  than  in  any  other  month.     4< 

February  they  call  the  Snow  Moon,  becaufe  more  fnow  com- 
monly falls  during  this  month,  than  any  other  in  the  winter. 

When  the  moon  does  not  ihine  they  fay  the  moon  is  dead; 
and  fome  call  the  three  laft  days  of  it  the  naked  days.  The 
moon's  nrtt  appearance  they  term  its  coming  to  life  again. 

They  make  no  divifion  of  weeks ;  but  days  they  count  by  fleeps ; 
half  days  by  pointing  to  the  fun  at  noon;  and  quarters  by  the 
rifing  and  the  fetting  of  the  fun;  to  exprefs  which  in  their  tra- 
ditions they  make  ufe  of  very  (ignificant  hieroglyphicks. 

The  Indians  are  totally  unskilled  in  geography  as  well  as  all 
the  other  fciences,  and  yet,  as  I  have  before  hinted,  they  draw 
on  their  birch  bark  very  exait  charts  or  maps  of  the  countries 
with  which  they  are  acquainted.  The  latitude  and  longitude  is 
only  wanting  to  make  them  tolerably  complete. 

Their  fole  knowledge  in  aftronomy  confllls  in  being  able  t« 
point  out  the  pole-dar ;  by  which  they  regulate  their  courfe  when 
they  travel  in  the  night.       •    <"r,    ..^i    .<    *  —'a::'- 

They  reckon  the  dillance  of  places,  not  by  miles  or  leagues, 
but  by  a  day  s  journey,  which,  according  to  the  bell  calculations 
I  could  make,'  appears  to  be  about  twenty  Englifli  miles,  Thefe 
they  alfo  divide  into  halves  and  quarters,  and  will  demonftiate 
them  in  their  maps  with  great  exadnefs,  by  the  hieroglyphicks 
juft  mentioned,  when  they  regulate  in  council  their  war  parties, 
or  their  moll  dillant  hunting  excurfions. 

They  have  no  idea  of  arithmetic;  and  though  they  arc  able 
to  count  to  any  number,  figures  as  well  as  letters  appear  mylle- 
.|iou%(u  them,  and  above  their  comprehenfion. 

Duting 


'it  1 


%«?■ 


t    no    J  * 

During  my  abodie  with  the  Naudoweflles,  fome  of  th«  chieft 
obferving  one  day  a  draft  of  an  eciipfe  of  the  moon,  in  a  book 
of  aftronomy  which  I  held  in  my  hand,  they  defired  I  would  per- 
mit them  to  look  at  it.  Happening  to  give  them  the  book  ihut, 
they  began  to  count  the  leaves  till  they  came  to  the  place  in 
which  the  plate  was.  After  they  had  viewed  it,  and  asked  ma- 
ny queflions  relative  to  it,  I  told  them  they  needed  not  to  have 
taken  fo  much  pains  to  find  the  leaf  on  which  it  was  drawn,  for 
I  could  not  only  tell  in  an  inftant  the  place,  without  counting 
the  leaves,  but  alfo  how  many  preceded  it. 
■  They  feemed  great'.y  amazed  at  my  alFertion,  and  begged  that 
I  would  demonftrate  to  them  the  pollibility  of  doing  it.  To  this 
purpofe  I  defired  the  chief  that  held  the  book,  to  open  it  at  any 
particular  place,  and  juft  ihewing  me  the  page  carefully  to  con- 
ceal the  edges  of  the  leaves,  fo  that  I  might  not  be  able  to  count 
them. 

t  This  he  did  with  the  greatefl:  caution;  notwithftanding  which, 
by  looking  at  the  folio,  I  told  him,  to  his  great  furprize,  the 
number  of  leaves.  He  counted  them  regularly  over,  and  dif- 
covered  that  I  was  exaft.  And  when,  after  repeated  trials,  the 
Indians  found  I  could  do  it  with  great  readinefs,  and  without 
evfll  erring  in  my  calculation,  they  all  feemed  as  much  aftonilhed 
as  if  I  had  raifed  the  dead.  The  only  way  they  could  account 
for  my  knowledge,  was  by  concluding  that  the  book  was  a  fpirit, 
and  whifpered  me  anfwers  to  whatever  I  demanded  of  it. 

i'his  circumftance,  trifling  as  it  might  appear  to  thofe  who  are 
lefs  illiterate,  contributed  to  increafe  my  confequence,  and  to 
iaugment  the  favourable  opinion  they  already  entertained  of  me.^ 


CHAPTER      V. 


4 


i>M  i- 


"*>. 
> 


■•* 


0/  their  Government,    ^c. 


*  * 


>•) 


EV  )E  R  Y  feparate  body  of  Indians  is  divided  into  bands  or 
tribes ;  which  band  or  tribe  forms  a  little  community  with 
the  nation  to  which  it  belongs.  As  the  nation  has  fome  parti- 
cular fymbol  by  which  it  is  diftinguilhed  from  others,  fo  each 
tribe  has  a  badge  from  which  it  is  denoititnated  ;  as  that  of  the 
Eagle,  the  Panther,  the  Tiger,  the  Buffalo,  &c.  &c.  One  band 
of  the  Naudoweflie  is  reprefented  by  a  Snake,  another  a  Tor- 
toife,  a  third  a  Squirrel,  a  fourth  a  Wolf,  and  a  fifth  a  Buffalo. 
Throughout  every  nation  they  particularize  thenifelves  in  the 
fame  manner,  and  the  meaneftperfon  among  them  will  remember 
bis  lineal  defcent,   and  diftlnguilh  bimfelf  by  his  refpeftfve  %, 


I  "I  1  . 

>  Did  not  many  circumftances  tend  to  confute  the  fuppolkion, 
I  Ihould  be  almoft  induced  to  conclude  from  this  diftinftion  of 
tribes,  and  the  particular  attachment  of  the  Indians  to  them, 
that  they  derive  their  origin,  as  fome  have  aflfertcd,'  from  the 
Ifraelites.  #>   .: 

Befidcs  this,  every  nation  diftinguifh  themfelvcs  by  the  man- 
ner of  conftruftlng  their  tents  or  huts.  And  fo  well  verfed  avq 
all  the  Indians  in  this  diftinftion,  that  though  there  appears  to 
be  no  difference  on  the  niceft  obfervation  made  by  an  European, 
yet  they  will  immediately  difcover,  from  the  pofition  of  a  pole 
left  in  the  ground,  what  nation  has  encamped  on  the  fpot  many 
months  before. 

Every  band  has  a  chief  who  is  termed  the  Great  Chief  or  jthe 
chief  Warrior  ;  and  who  is  chofen  in  confideration  of  his  expe- 
rience in  war,  and  of  his  approved  valour,  to  direct  their  mili- 
tary operations,  and  to  regulate  all  concerns  belonging  to  that 
departmjnt.  But  this  chief  is  not  confidcred  as  the  head  of  the 
rtatc;  bolides  the  great  warrior  who  is  elefted  for  his  war-like 
qualifications,  there  is  another  who  enjoys  a  pre-eminence  as  bi5? 
hereditary  right,  and  has  the  more  immediate  management  of 
their  civil  affairs.  This  chief  might  with  greater  propriety  be 
denominated  the  Sachem;  whole  alTent  is  ncccflary  in  all  con- 
veyances and  treaties,  to  which  he  affixes  the  mark  of  the  tribe 
or  nation. 

Though  thefe  two  areconfiderd  as  the  heads  of  the  band,  and 
the  latter  is  ufually  denominated  their  king,  yet  the  Indians  are 
fenfible  of  neither  civil  or  military  fubordination.  As  every  one 
of  them  entertains  a  high  opinion  of  his  confequqnce,  and  is 
extremely  tenacious  of  his  liberty,  all  injunftions  thit  carry  with 
them  the  appearance  of  a  pofitive  command,  arc  inftantly  rc- 
jecl:ed  with  icorn. 

On  this  account,  it  is  feldom  that  their  leaders  are  fo  indif- 
creet  as  to  give  out  any  of  their  orders  in  a  peremptory  flile;  a 
bare  hint  from  a  chief  that  he  thinks  fuch  a  thing  neceffary  to  be 
done,  inflantly  aroufes  an  emulation  among  the  inferior  ranks, 
and  it  is  immediately  executed  with  great  alacrity.  By  this  me- 
thod the  difguftful  part  of  the  command  is  evaded,  and  an  au- 
thority that  falls  little  iliort  of  abfolute  fway  inftituted  in  its 
room. 

Among  the  Indians  no  vifible  form  of  government  is  ef^ablilh* 
ed;  they  allow  of  no  fuch  diftinction  as  magirtrate  and  fiibjeft, 
every  one  appearing  to  enjoy  an  independence  that  cannot  be- 
eontrouled.     The  objeft  of  government  among  them  is  rather- 
foreign  than  domeflic,  for  their  attention  fecms  more  to  be  em- 
ployed in  preferving  fuch  an  union  among  the  members  of  their 
tribe  as  will  enable  them  to  watch  the  motions  of  their  enemies, 
'and  to  aft  againft  them  with  concert  and  vigour,  shan  to  main- 
tain interior  order  by  any  public  regulations.     If  a  fcheme  that 
appears  to  be  of  fervice  to  the  community  is  propofcd  by  the 
Chief,  every  one  is  an  liberty  to  chuie  whether  he  will  ailiil  in 
1  1-  carrying 


'.  i 


[    "i    ] 

carrying  it  on;  for  they  have  no  coinpuirory  laws  that  lay  thcrt 
under  any  reftritkions.  If  violence  is  committed,  or  blood  is 
ihed,  the  right  of  revcnging,thefe  mifdemeanours  are  left  to  the 
family  of  the  injured;  the  chiefs  alTunie  neither  the  power  of 
inflifting  or  moderating  the  punifhment. 

Some  nations,  where  the  dignity  is  hereditary,  limit  the  fuc- 
•eflion  to  the  female  line.  On  the  death  of  a  chief,  his  filler's 
fon  fomctimes  fuccecds  him  in  preference  to  his  own  fon;  and 
if  he  happens  to  have  no  filler,  the  nearefl  female  relation  af- 
fumes  the  dignity.  This  accounts  for  a  woman  being  at  the 
head  of  the  Winncbagoe  nation,  whicji,  bcfbrc  1  was  acquainted 
with  their  laws,  appeared  flrange  to  me. 

Each  family  has  a  right  to  appoint  one  of  its  chiefs  to  be  an 
afnilant  to  the  principal  chief,  who  watches  over  the  intereft  of 
hi-s  family,  and  without  whofe  confent  nothing  of  a  public  na- 
ture can  be  carried  into  execution.  Thefe  are  generally  chofcn 
for  their  ability  in  fpeaking;  and  fuch  only  are  permitted  to  make 
.orations  in  their  councils  and  general  afFemblies. 

In  this  body,  with  the  hereditary  chief  at  its  head,  the  fu- 
preme  authority  appears  to  be  lodged;  as  by  its  determinati- 
on every  tranfaflion  relative  to  their  hunting,  to  their  miiking 
war  or  peace,  and  to  all  their  public  concerns  are  regulated. 
Next  to  thefe,  the  body  of  warriors,  which  comprehends  all 
that  are  able  bear  arms,  hold  their  rank.  This  divifion  has  fome- 
limes  at  its  head  the  chief  of  the  nation,  if  he  has  figi5alized 
himfelf  by  any  renowned  adlion,  if  not,  fome  chief  that  has 
rendered  himfelf  famous. 

In  their  councils,  which  are  held  by  the  foregoing  members, 
every  affair  of  confequence  is  debated;  and  no  enterprize  of 
,« the  leafl  moment  undertaken,  unlels  it  there  meets  with  the  ge- 
neral approbation  of  the  chiefs.  They  commonly  affemble  in 
a  hut  or  tent  appropriated  to  this  purpofe,  and  being  feated  in  a 
circle  on  ,  the.  ground,  the  eldell  chief  rifes  and  makes  a 
fpeech;  when  he  has  concluded,  another  gets  up;  and  thus 
iSey  all  fpeak,  if  neceffary  by  turns. 
/  On  this  occafion  their  language  is  nervous,  and  their  manner 
of  expr^flion  emphatical.  Their  flyle  is  adorned  with  images, 
co'mparifons,  and  flrong  metaphors,  and  is  equal  in  allegories 
to  that  of  any  of  the  eaftern  nations.  In  all  their  fet  fpeeches 
they  exprefs  themfelves  with  much  vehemence,  but  in  common 
difcourfe  according  to  our  ufual  method  of  fpeech. 

The  young  men  are  fufFered  to  be  prefent  at  the  councils, 
though  they  are  not  allowed  to  make  a  fppech  till  they  are  re- 
gularly admitted:  they  however  liflen  with  great  attention,  and 
to  ihew  that  they  both  underfland,  and  approve  of  the  refolu- 
tions  caken  by  the  alTembled  chiefs,  they  frequently  exclaim,, 
"  That  is  right."     "  That  is  good."      :-:%.:■:., 

The  cuflomary  mode  among  all  the  ranks  of  (llprefling  thefr 
alTent,  and  which  they  repeat  at  theendof  almoft  every  period, 
is  by  urtering  a  kind  of  forcible  afpiration,  which  founds  like  an 
onion  of  the  letters  0 AH.  CHAP- 


*?  •. 


t%3 1 


^-»  ^* 


IF 


C  HA  P  I^  E  R*      VL 

0/  their    F  K  X  s  T  s. 


MANf  of  the  Indian  nations  neither  make  ufe  of  bread, 
fait,  or  fpices;  and  fonic  of  them  have  never  fecn  or 
tailed  of  either.  TheNaiidovvcfllcsin  particular  have  no  bread, 
nor  any  fubttitute  for  it.  They  cat  the  wild  rice  which  grows 
in  great  quantities  in  different  parts  of  their  territories ;  but 
they  boil  it  and  eat  it  alone.  They  alio  eat  the  *fleih  of  the 
hearts  they  kill,  without  having  recourfe  to  any  farinaceous 
fubltance  to  abforb  the  groIFer  particles  of  it.  And  even  when 
they  confume  the  fugar  which  they  have  extraded  from  the  maple 
tree,  they  ufe  it  not  to  render  fome  other  food  palatable,  but 
generally  eat  it  by  itfelf. 

Neither  have  they  any  idea  of  the  ufe  of  milk,  although  they 
might  colleft  great  quantities  from  the  buffalo  or  the  elk;  they 
only  confider  it  as  proper  for  the  nutriment  of  the  young  of 
thefe  hearts  dui  ing  their  tender  ftate.  I  could  not  perceive 
that  any  inconvcniency  attended  the  total  difufe  of  articles 
cftecmed  fo  necelTary  and  nutricious  by  other  nations,  on  thie 
contrary,  they  are  in  general  healthy  and  vigorous. 

One  dilh  however,  which  anfwers  nearly  the  fame  purpofe  a8 
bread,  is  in  ufe  among  the  Ottagaumies,  the  Saukies,  and  the 
more  eartcrn  nations,  where  Indian  corn  grows,  which  is  not 
only  much  eftecmed  by  them,  but  it  is  reckoned  extremely  palat- 
able by  all  the  Europeans  who  enter  their  dominions.  This  is 
compofed  of  their  unripe  corn  as  before  defcribed,  and  beans 
in  the  fame  ftate,  boiled  together  with  bear's  flelli,  the  fat  of 
which  moiftens  the  pulfe,  and  renders  it  beyond  comparifon  de- 
iiclous.     They  call  this  food  Succatofli. 

The  Indians  are  far  from  l»eing  callibals,  as  they  are  faid  to 
be.  All  their  vi(^uals  are  either  roafted  or  boiled  ;  and  thi^ 
in  the  extreme.  Their  drink  is  generally  the  broth  in  which  it 
has  been  boiled. 

Their  food  confifts  of  the  fiefli  of  the  bear,  the  buffalo,  the 
elk,  the  deer,  the  beaver,  and  the  racoon ;  which  they  prepare 
in  the  manner  juft  mentioned.  They  ufually  eat  the  flelh  of  the 
deer  which  is  naturally  dry,  with  that  of  the  bear  which  is  fat 
and  juicy;  and  though  the  latter  i.s  extremely  rich  andlufclous, 
it  is  never  known  to  cloy.  #.         .  , 


i 


I  9 


.•*wc- 


^ 


■um 


In  the  fpring  of  the  year  the  Naudoweniefi  cat  the  fnfidebarl; 
of  a  Oirub,  that  ilicy  gather  in  fomc  part  of  their  country;  but 
I  could  neither  learn  the  name  of  it,  or  difcover  from  whence 
they  got  it.  It  was  of  a  brittle  nature  and  eafily  mafticated. 
The  tafte  of  it  was  very  agreeable,  and  they  faid  it  was  ex- 
tremely nouriiliing.  In  flavour  it  was  not  unlike  the  turnip,  and 
when  received  into  the  mouth  refembled  that  root  both  in  its 
pulpous  ancf  frangible  nature. 

The  lower  ranks  of  the  Indians  are  exceedingly  nafty  indrcf- 
Ong  their  viftuals,  but  fome  of  the  chiefs  arc  very  neat  and  clean- 
ly in  their  apparel,  tents,  and  food.  f 

They  commonly  eat  in  large  panics,'  fo  that  their  meals  may 
properly  be  termed  feafts;  and  this  they  do  without  being 
leftri^^ed  to  any  fixed  or  regular  hours,  but  juft  as  their  appe- 
tites re^iire,  and  convenience  fuits. 

They  ufually  dance  cither  before  or  after  every  meal ;  and  by 
this  cheerfulnefs  probably  render  the  Great  Spirit,  to  whom 
they  confider  thcmfelves  as  indebted  for  every  good,  a  more 
acceptable  facritice  than  a  formal  and  unanimated  thankfgiving. 
The  men  and  women  feafl  apart :  and  each  fex  invite  by  turns 
their  companions,  to  partake  with  them  of  the  food  they 
happen  to  have;  but  in  their  domellic  way  of  living  the  men  and 
women  eat  together. 

No  people  are  more  hofpitable,  kind,  and  free  than  the  Jn- 
clians.  They  will  readily  fliare  with  any  of  their  own  tribe  the 
lalVpart  of  their  provifions,  and  even  with  thofe  of  a  different 
nation,  If  they  chance  to  come  in  when  they  are  eating.  Though 
they  do  not  keep  one  common  flock,  yet  that  community  of 
goods  which  is  fo  prevalent  among  them,  and  their  generous 
difpodtion,  render  it  nearly  of  the  fame  cffe6t. 

^hen  the  chiefs  are  convened  on  any  public  bufinefs,  they 
always  conclude  with  a  feafl,  a(  which  their  feflivity  and  cheer- 
fulnefs knows  no  limits. 


<i$ 


t.  .. 


CHAPTER      VII.. 

■-  ...    ■  .     '% 

0/  their    Dan  ces. 


■'   ■<• 


m 


DANCING  is  a  favourite  exercife  among  the  Indians; 
they  never  meet  on  any  public  occaflon,  but  this  makes 
a  part  of  the  entertainment.  And  when  they  are  not  engaged 
in  war  or  hunting,  the  youth  of  both  fexes  amufe  themfelves  !h 
this  manner  every  evening.  ■     *'V 

They  always  dance,  as  1  have  jiift  obferved,  at  their  feaft* 


« 


^' 


•V. 


t     '15     1  *■  '  /        ' 

In  theft  as  well  as  all  their  other  dances,  every  man  rtfcs  fa 
his  turn,  and  moves  about  with  great  freedom  and  boldnefs ; 
finging  as  he  does  fo,  the  exploits  of  his  anceftors.  During 
this  the  company,  who  are  feated  <ni  the  ground  in  a  circle, 
around  the  dancer,  join  with  him  in  mariiing  the  cadence,  by 
an  odd  tone,  which  they  utter  all  together,  and  which  founds, 
**  Hoh,  heh,  heh."  Thefe  notes,  if  they  might  be  fo  termed, 
are  articulated  with  a  harOi  accent,  and  Drained  out  with  the 
utiAofl  force  of  their  lungs ;  fo  that  one  would  imagine  their 
ftrength  muft  be  foSn  exhaufted  by  it;  inftcad  of  which,  they  * 
repeat  it  with  the  fame  violcncj:  during  the  whole  of  their  en- 
tertainment. 

The  women,  particularly  tjiofe  of  the  weftern  nations,  dance 
very  gracefully.  They  carry  themfclves  ereft,  andwith  Ifceir  arms 
hanging  down  clofe  to  their  fides,  move  Hrft  a  few  yards  to  the 
right,  and  then  back  again  to  the  left.  Thisk  movement  they 
perform  without  taking  any  fleps  as  an  European  would  do,  but 
witl:i  their  feet  conjoined,  moving  by  turns  their  toes- and  heels. 
In  this  manner  they  glide  with  great  agility  to  a  certain  didance, 
and  then  return ;  and  let  thofe  who  join  in  the  dance  be  ever  fo 
numerous,  they  keep  time  fo  exaftly  with  each  other  that  no 
ii)terruption  enfues.  During  this,  at  dated  periods,  they  mingle 
their  Ihrill  voices,  with  the  hoarfelt  ones  of  the  men,  who  fit 
around  (for  it  is  to  be  obferved  that  the*  fexes  never  intermix 
in  the  fame  dance)  which,  with  the  mufic  of  the  drums  and 
chichicoes,  make  an  agreeable  harmony.  '^  ■' 

The  Indians  have  feveral  kinds  of  dances,  which  they  ufe  onr 
different  occafions,  as  the  Pipe  or  Calumate  Dance,  the  War 
Dance,  the  Marriage  Dance,  and  the  Dance  of  the  Sacrifice. 
The  movements  in  every  one  of  thefe  are  difiHinfJi^r  j  but  it  is 
almoll  impofilibie  to  convey  any  idea  of  the  points  In  which  they 
are  unlike. 

Different  nations  likewife  vary  in  their  manner  of  dancing. 
The  Chip^ways  throw  thcmfelves  into  a  greater  variety  of  at- 
titudes than  any  other  people;  fometimes  they  hold  their  heads 
ereft,  at  others  they  bend  them  almofl  to  the  ground ;  then  re- 
cline on  one  fide,  and  immediately  after  on  the  other.  The 
NaudowefJies  cal|^  them'felves  more  upright,  ftep  firmer,  and 
move  more  g|ieefiilly.  But  they  all  accompany  their  dances- 
with  the  difa^eable  noife  juft  mentioned. 

The  Pipe  Dance  is  the  principal,  md  the  mofl  pleafing  to,  a 
fpeftator  of  any  of  them,  being  the  leaft  frantic,  and  the  move- 
ment of  it  moft  graceful.  It  is  but  on  particular  occafions  that 
it  is  ufed ;  as  when  ambaffadors  from  an  enemy  arrive  to  treat 
of  peace,  or  when  firangers  of  eminence  pafs  through  their 
territories. 
*rhe'\Var  Dance,  which  they  ufe  both  before  they  fet  out  on 
cHeir  war  parties,  and  on  their  return  from  them,  ftrikes  ter- 
fflW  tnttv^angersi  Jtis  performed,  aa the  others,  amidfta  cir- 
*|^/of  the  waf«ors;^«yhief  generally  begins  it,  who  moves  ^_ 


■P'H"!*"  " 


rt-om  the  right  to  the  left,  finping  at  the  fame  time  both  h(s  own 
exploits,  and  thofe  of  his  anccftors.  When  he  has  conchtded 
his  account  of  any  *iiiteniorable  aftion,  he  f»iveS  a  violent  blow 
with  his  war-club,  againfta  poftthat  is  tixcd»ln  the  ground,  near 
the  center  of  the  alfcinbly,  for  this  purpofc. 

Every  one  dances  in  his  turn,  and  recapitulates  thewondroui 
"  deeds  of  his  family,  till  they  all  at  laft  join  in  the  dance.  Then 
it  becomes  truly  alarming  to  any  flrangcr  that  happens  to  be    ^\ 

»""  amon^  them,  as  they  throw  thcmfelves  into  every  horrible  and 
terrifying  poHurc  that  can  be  imagined,  rellearflng  at  the  fame 
time  the  parts  they  cxpcfl  to  ad  againft  their  enemies  in  the 

.  field.  During  this  they  hold  their  Iharp  knives  in  their  hands, 
with  ivhich,  as  they  whirl  about,^they  are  every  moment  in  " 

ip  danger  of  cutting  each  others  throats;  and  did  they  not  fhun 

the  threatened  niifchief  with  inconceivable  dexterity,  it  could 

•  not  be  avoided.     By  thefe  motions  they  intend  to  reprefent  the 

•'  manner  In  which  they  kill,  fcalp,  and  take  their  prifoners.  To    • 
heighten  the  fcene,  they  let  up  the  f^me  hideous  yells,  cries, 
and  war-hoops  they  ufe  in  time  of  aftion:  fo  that  it  is  impof- 
fible  to  conHder  them  in  any  other  light  than  as  an  aflfembly 
of  demons. 

,  I  have  frequently  joined  in  this  dance  with  them,  but  it  foon 
ceafed  to  be  an  amufcnient  to  jne.  as  I  could  not  lay  afide  my 
apprehenHons  of  receiving  fome  dreadful  wouud,  that  from  the 
violence  of  their  geftures  muft  have  proved  mortal. 

.flound  that  the  nations  tp  the  weftward  of  the  Mifliflippii  and 
Od  the  borders  of  Lake  Superior,  dill  continue  to  make  ufe  of 
theTawwaw  or  Black  Dance.  The  people  of  the  colonies  tell 
a  thoufand  ridiculous  flories  of  the  Devil  being  raifed  in  this 
dance  by  the  Indians.  But  they  allow  that  this  was  in  former  times, 
and  is  now  nearly  e^tindl  among  thofe  who  live  adjacent  to  the 
European  fettlements.  However  I  difcovered  that  it  was  ftill 
^lcd  in  the  interior  parts;  and  though  I  did  not  aftually  fee  the 
Devil  raifed  by  it,  I  was  witnefs  to  fottie  fcenes  that  could  on- 
ly be  performed  byfuch  as  dealt  with  him,  or  were  veiy  expert  * 
^nd  dex.trous  jugglers.  '    fk'         ^^^  *»► 

Whilft  I  was  aniong  the  Naudowcflies,  a  dance,  which  they 
thustermed,  was  performed.  Before  the  dapce  began,  one  ©f 
the  Indians  xvas  admitted  into  a  fociety  which  tlM|^  denominated 
Wakon-Kitchewah,  that  is,  the  Friendly  Society%f  the  Spirit. 
IChis  fociety  is  compofedjgl' perfons  of  both  fexes,  butfuchon- 
#1y  can  be  admitted  into  it  ay  are  of  unexceptionable  charafter,  and 

■     who  receive  the  approbation  of  the  whole  body.     To  this  ad- 
miffion  fucceeded  the  Pawwaw  Dance  (in  which  I  faw  nothing^ 
tlaat  could  g^ive  rife  to  the  reports  I  bad  heard)  and  the  whole,  ^ 
according  to  their  ufual  cuftom,  concluded  with  a  grand  f^ft. 

The  initiation  being  attended  with  fome  very  lingular,  drculft- 
ftances,  which,  as  I  have  before  obferved,  muft  be  either  the- 
effect  of  magic,  or  of  amazing  dexterity,  llhallgive  aparticxilrtt 
account  of  the  whole  procedure.    It  was  performed  at  the  time  0t 


ty;  ;i 
tribu 
granc 
W] 
of  th( 
in  fori 
quain 
ted  in 
to  the 
any  ol 
No 
the  ce 
him ; 
ration 
dian  ai 
him  to 
ceivc  i 
di  rtanc 
Thii, 
the  kn( 
'■     voice, 
fame 
him,- 
reilore 
on,  ho 
vantage 
point  o 
As  ] 
laft  hii 
diftortc 
threw 
fmall  be 
and  he 
eiiicf  thi 
^  thea 


\ 


on- 


le  of 


r 


-  r  ^7  !  '• ; 

the  new  moon,  in  a  place  appropriated  to  the  'purpofe,  near  the 
€entre  of  their  camp,  that  would  contain  about  two  hundred  peo- 
ple. Being  a  (Irangur,  and  on  all  occafions  treated  by  them 
with  greut  civility^.  I  was  invited  to  fee  the  ceremony,  and  placed 
dofe  to  the  lails:  of  the  inclofure. 

•  About  twelve  o'clock  they  began  to  affemble;  when  the  fun 
ihone  bright,  which  they  confidtred  as  a  good  omen,  for  they 
never  by  choice  hold  any  of  their  public  meetings  unlefs  the  sky 
be  clear  and  unclouded.  A  great  number  of  chiefs  firll  appear- 
ed, who  were  drellisd  in  their  bell  apparel;  and  after  them  cams 
the  head-warrior,  clad  in  a  long  robe  of  rich  furs,  that  trailed 
on  the  ground,  attended  by  a  retinue  of  fifteen  or  twenty^  per- 
fons,  painted  and  drcU'ed  in  the  gayell  manner.  Next  followed 
tlic  wives  of  fuch  as  had  been  already  admitted  into  the  focie- 
ty;  and  in  the  rear  a  confufed  heap  of  the  lower  ranks,  all  con- 
tributing as  much  as  lay  in  their  power  to  make  the  appearance 
grand  and  fliowy. 

When  the  alfembiy  was  featcd,  and  fllence  proclaimed,  one 
of  the  principal  chiefs  arofe,  and  in  a  (hort  butmafterly  fpeech 
informed  his  audieico  of  the  occafion  of  their  meeting.  He  ac- 
quainted them  that  one  of  their  young  men  wiflied  to  be  admit- 
ted into  their  fociety;  and  taking  him  by  the  hand  prefentedhim 
to  their  view,  asking  them,  at  the  fame  time,  whether  they  had 
any  objcftion  to  his  becoming  one  of  their  community. 

No  objeftion  being  made,  the  young  candidate  was  placed  in 
the  centre,  and  four  of  the  chiefs  took  their  ftations  clofe  to 
him;  after  exhorting  him,  by  turns,  not  to  faint  underthe  ope- 
ration he  was  about  to  go  through,  but  to  behave  like  an  In- 
dian and  a  man,  two  of  them  took  hold  of  his  arms,  and  caufed 
him  to  kneel;  another  placed  himfelf  behind  him,  fo  as  to  re- 
ceive him  when  he  fell,  and  the  lafl;  of  the  four  retired  to  the 
dirtance  of  about  twelve  feet  from  him  ofSiftly  in  front. 

This  difpolition  being  completed,  the  chief  that  ftood  before 
the  kneeling  candidate,  began  to  fpeak  to  hini.with  an  audible 
voice.  He  told  him  that  he  him  felt  was  now  agitated  by  the 
fame  fpirit  which  he  Ihould  In  a  few  moments  communicate  to, 
him,-  that  it  would  ilrike  him  dead,  but  that  he  would  inftantly  be 
reftored  again  .|o  life;  to  this  he  added,  that  the  communicati- 
on, however  terrifying,  was  a  neceffary  introduftion  to  the  ad-/ 
vantages  enjoyed  by  the  community  into  which  Le  was  on  the 
point  of  being  admitted.'  .  4'  '*W^'^'^  -^     jm 

As  he  fpoke  this,  he  appeared  to  be  greatly  agitated ;  tiolp 
laft  his  emotions  became  fo  violent,  that  his  coiuiten^arice  was 
didorted,  and  his  whole  frame  con^vuli^ed.  At  ms  jumiire  he 
threw  fomething  that  appeared  both  in  iTiape  aiW  colour  like  a 
fmall  bean,  at  the  young  man,  which  Teemed  to  enter  his  mouth, 
and  he  inftantly  fell  as  motionlefs  as  if  he  had  been  fliot.  The 
pliief  that  was  placed  behind  him  received  him  in  his  arms,  and, 

the  affiftance  c\f  the  other  two,  Is^id  him  ojn  the  ground  to  all 
>^arancebereft»of  lifg.  .^^^■'' 

Having 


antaryi 


•■MOM 


II II  mpii 


■  «wnwiic»^»w 


^* 


•?'^ 


#*   I. 


f   Ii8    I 


^  ffsving  done  this,  they  immediately  began  to  rub  his  limbs, 
an<^  to  (Irike  him  on  the  back,  giving  him  fuch  blows,  as  fecmed 
more  calculated  to  flill  the  quick,  than  to  raife  the  dead.  Du- 
ring thefe  extraordinary  applications,  the  fpeaker  continued  )ms 
harangue,  defiring  the  fpeftators  not  to  be  furprizcd*,  or  to  de-  . 
fpair  of  the  young  man's  recovery,  as  his  prefent  inanimate  fitu- 
ation  proceeded  only  from  the  forcible  operation  of  the  fpirit, 
on  faculties  that  had  hitherto  been  unufed  co  Infpirations  of  this 
kind. 

The  candidate  lay  feveral  minutes  without  fenfe  or  motion; 

^A       but  at  length,  after  receiving  many  violent  blows,  he  began  to 

difcover  fome  fymptoms  of  returning  life.     Thefe,  however,. 

were  attended  with  ftrong  convulfions,  and  an  apparent  obftruq^- 

tion  in  his  throat.     But  they  were  foon  at  an  end ;  for  having 

difcharged  from  his  mouth  the  bean,  or  whatever  it  was  that  the 

chief  had  thrown  at  him,  but  which  on  the  clofeft  infpeftion  I 

.    had  not  perceived  to  enter  it,  be  foon  after  appeared  to  be  to- 

*    lerably  recovered. 

This  part  of  the  ceremony  being  happily  effefted,  the  ofHci* 
ating  chiefs  difrobed  him  of  the  cloaths  he  had  ufually  worn, 
and  put  on  him  a  fet  of  apparel  entirely  new.  When  h?  was 
dnreffed,  the  fpeaker  once  more  took  him  by  the  hand,  and  pre- 
fentcd  him  to  the  fociety  as  a  regular  ind  thoroughly  initiated 
member,  exhorting  them,  at  the  fame  time,  to  give  him  fuch 
necel!kry  affiAance,  as  being  a  young  member,  he  might  ftand 
in  need  of.  He  then'alfo  charged  the  newly  elefted  brother  to 
receive  with  humility,  and  to  follow  with  punftuality  the  advice 
of  his  elder  brethren. 

All  thofe  who  had  been  admitted  within  the  rails,  now  form- 
y       td  Si  circle  around  their  new  brother,  and  the  mufic  ftriking  up, 
the  great  chief  fung  a  fong,  celebrating  as  ufuai  their  martial 
exploits. 

The  only  mufic  they  make  ufe  of  is  a  drum,  'which  is  compof- 
vd  of  a  piece  of  a  hollow  tree  curioufiy  wrought,  and  over  one 
end  of  which  is  ftrained  a  skin,  this  they  beat  with  a  iingle  ftick, 
and  it  gives  a  found  that  is  far  fron^  harmonious,  but  it  juft  fervcs 
to  beat  time  with.  To  this  they  fometimes  add  the  cbiehicoe, 
and  in  their  war  dances  they  likewife  ufe  a  kind  pf  fife,  formed 
of  a  reed,  which  makes  a  inrill  harlh  noife. 

The  whole  aflembly  were  by  this  time  united,  and  the  dance 
b^pi;  feveral  fingers  aflifted  the  mufic  with  their  voices,  and 
tVP^umen  joining  in  the  chorus  at  certain  intervals,  they  pro- 
duced together  a  not  unplcafing  but  favage  harmony.  This  was 
one  of  the  moil  agreeable  entertainments  I  fav^vbifil  2  was 
ainong  them.  'J' 

I  coald  not  help  laughing  at  a  fingular  childilli  cudom  I  obferv- 
ed  they  Introduced  into  this  dance,  and  which  v  as  the  only  one 
that  had  the  leaft  appearance  of  conjuration.  Woft  of  the  mem- 
bers carried  in  their  hands  tan  otter  or  martin's  skin,  which  be- 
ing takc^  v/hols  from  the  body,  and  filled  wir^  wind,  on  being  , 

comprelTstf 


•til 


ance 
were 
rofe  I 
even 
learnc 
Afi 
diOies 
dog's 
*    feaftsi 
purpol 
provid 
In  t 
they  re 
on  the 
of  Kan 
(before 
reka^  i 
hords  I 
beings, 
and  lea' 
towardi 
ows  difti 
poles,  J 
nearly  i 
pofition 
I  kno 
edby^th 
Pepin,  c 
When  I 
naked  ' 
the  hanc 
dancing 
every  te 
cries. 

When 

without 

fervcd 

when  th 

of  the  w 

1  doubte 

had  refu 

as  dear  a 

my  chef 

wen  to  k 

Su^rd. 


» 


r  "9 1  * 


comprefTcd  made  n  fqueaking  noife  through  a  fmall  piece  of  wood 
organically  formed  and  fixed  in  its  mouth.  When  this  inftrument 
was  prefcnted  to  the  fa^of  any  of  the  company,  and  the  found 
emitted,  the  perfon  roKiviflg  it  inftantly  fell  down  to  appear- 
ance dead.^  Sometimes  two  or  three,  both  men  and  women, 
were  on  the  ground  together ;  but  immediately  recovering,  they 
rofe  up  and  joined  again  in  the'dance.  This  feemed  to  afford, 
even  the  chiefs  themfelves,  infinite  diverfion.  l  afterwards 
learned  that  thefe  were  their  Dii  Penates  or  Houfhoid  Gods. 

After  feme  houu  fpcnt  in  this  manner  the  feaft  began;  the 
diflies  being  brought  near  me,  I  perceived  that  they  confined  of 
dog's  flefh;  and  I  was  informed  that  at  all  their  public  grand 
feaills  they  nfever  made  ufe  of  any  other  kind  of  food.  For  this 
purpofe,  at  the  fe^il  I  am  now  fpeaking  of,  the  new  candidate 
provides  fat  dogs,  if  they  can  be  procured  ^f  any  price. 

In  this  cuftom  of  eating  dog's  flefli  on  particular  occafions, 
they  refemble  the  inhabitants  of  fome  of  the  countries  that  lie 
on  the  north-eaft  borders  of  Afia.  The  author  of  the  account 
of  Kamfchatka,  publilhed  by  order  of  the  Emprefs  of  Riiflla 
(before  referred  to)  informs  us,  that  the  people  inhabiting  Ko- 
teka^  a  country  north  of  Kamfchatka,  who  wander  about  in 
hords  like  the  Arabs,  when  they  pay  their  worihip  to  the  evil 
beings,  kill  a  rein-deer  or  a  dog,  the  flefh  of  which  they  eat, 
and  leave  the  head  and  tongue  flicking  on  a  polf  with  the  front 
towards  the  eafl.  Alfo  that  when  they  are  afraid  of  any  infed^i- 
ous  diilemper,  they  kill  a  dog,  and  winding  the  guts  about  two 
poles,  pafs  between  them.  Thefe  cufloms,  in  which  they*4rc 
nearly  imitated  by  the  Indians,  feem  to  add  flrength  to  my  fup- 
pofition,  that  America  was  firfl  peopled  from  this  quarter. 

I  know  not  under  what  clafs  of  dances  to  rank  that  perform- 
ed by^the  Indians  who  came  to  my  tent  when  I  landed  near  Lake 
Pepin,  on  the  banks  of  the  MifUfiippi,  as  related  in  my  J^tirnals. 
When  I  looked  out,  as  I  there  mentioned,  I  faw  abouftwenty 
naked  young  Indians,  the  mofl  perfect  in  their  fhape,  and  by  far 
the  handfomeil  of  any  I  had  ever  feen,  coming  towards  me,  ,and 
dancing  as  they  approached,  to  the  mufic  of  their  drums.  At 
every  ten  or  twelve  yards  they  halted,  and  fet  up  their  yells  and 
cries. 

When  they  reached  my  tent,  I  asked  them  to  come  in ;  wi^tbll, 
without  deigning  to  make  me  any  anfwcr,  they  did.  As  1  bb* 
fcrved  that  tbiji  were  pamted  red  and  black,  as  they  ufually  are 
when  they  go  againfl  an  enemy,  and  perceived  that  fome  padjj^ 
of  the  war-dance  were  intermixed  with  their  other  movemen^^ 
1  doubted  not  but  they  wciq  fet  on  by  the  Inimical  chief  who 
had  refufed  my  (alutation :  I  thelrefofe  determined  to  fell  my  life 
as  dear  as  pofTible.  To  this  purpofc,  I  received  them  fitting  on 
my  chofi,  with  my  gun  and  pif\ols  befide  me,  and  ordered  my 
raen  to  keep  a  watchful  eye  on  them,  aad  to  be  alfo  upon  their 

^uard,  -   ,  •  . 

^'^:?.— ^,    ■^■i>^M:rik:^,  :■>       The 


^.' 


■  ■?* 


"',.  The  Indians  being  enteral,  ^they  continued  their  di^ljfk  niter" 
natcly,  finging  at  the  fameffme  of  their  heroic  exploltsi^tnd  the 
luperiorityof  their  race  ov:er  every  ofefejr  people;  To^force 
their  language,  though  it  was  uncomiWOTily  nervous  andnbxpref- 
flve,  and  fuch  as  would  of  itfelf  have  carried  terror  to  the  firm- 
eft  heart,  at  the  end  of  every  period  Ifhcy  flruck  their  war-clubs 
.  dgainft  the  poles  of  my  tent,  with  fuch  violence,  that  I  expeft- 
ed  every  moment- it  would  have  tumbled  upon  us.  As  eacjp  of 
them,  in  dancing  round,  paflTed  by  me,  they  placed  their  Hght 
hands  over  their  eyes,  and  coming  clofe  to  me,  looked  me 
fteadily  in  the  face,  which  I  could  not  conftrue  into  a  token  :of 
friendihip.  My  men  gave  themfelves  up  for  loft,  and  I  acknow- 
ledge, for  my  own  part,  that  I  never  found  my  apprchenfions 
more  tumultuous  on  any  occafion. 

When  they  had ^learly  ended  their  dance,  I  prefcnted  to  them 
the  pipe  of  peace,  but  they  would  not  receive  it.  I  then,  as 
my  lall  refource,  thought  I  would  try  what  prpfents  would  do; 
accordingly  I  took  from  my  cheft  fome  ribands  and  trinkats, 
which  1  laid  before  them.  Thefe  fcemed  to  ftagger  their  refo- 
lutions,  and  to  avert  in  fome  degree  their  anger;  for  after  hold- 
ing a  confutation  together,  they  fat  down  on  the  ground,  which 
I  confidered  as  a  favourable  omen. 

Thus  it  proved,  as  in  a  fliort  time  they  received  the  pipe  of 
.peace,,  and  lighting  it,  tirft  prefentcd  it  to  me,  and  then  fmoak- 
cd  With  it  thdmfelves.  Soon  after  they  took  up  the  prefents, 
which  had  hitherto  lain  neglefted,  and  appearing  to  be  greatly 
pleafcd  with  them,  departed  in  a  friendly  manner.  And  never 
did  I  receive  greater  pieafure  than  at  getting  rid  of  fu^ch  formid- 
able guefts. 

It  was  not  ever  in  my  power  to  gain  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  deljgns  of  my  vifitors.  I  had  fuiBcient  realbn  to  conclude 
that  they  were  hoftile,  and  that  their  vifit,  at  fo  late  an  hour, 
was  made  through  the  inftigation  of  the  Grand  Sautor,**but  I 
was  afterwards  informed  that  it  might  be  intended  as  a  compli- 
jnent  which  they  ufually  pay  to  the  chiefs  of  every  other  nation 
who  happen  to  fall  in  with  them,  and  that  the  circumftances  in 
their  cohduft,  which  had  appeared  fo  fufpicious  to  me,  were 
merely  the  effedls  of  their  Vanity,  and  deiigned  to  tmprefs  on 
the  minds  of  thofe  whom  they  thus  vifitcd  an  elevated  opinion 
of  their  valour  and  prowefs.  In  the  morning  before  I  continu* 
ed  my  route,  feveral  of  their  wives  brought  me  a  prefent  of 
e  fugar,  for  whom  I  found  a  few  more  ribands. 

The  Dance  of  the  facritice  is  not  fo  denominated  from  their 
offering  up  at  the  fame  time  a  facriiice  to  any  good  or  evil  fpi- 
rit,  but  is  a  dance  to  which  the  Naudowellies  give  that  title 
from  being  ufed  when  any  public  fortunate  circumftance  befals 
them.  Whilft  I  refided  among  them,  a  fine  large  deer  accident- 
ally ftrayed  into  the  mid4le  of  their  encampment,  which  th(^ 
fopn  deftroyed.    As  this  happened  juft  at  the  new  moon,  i^y- 

efteentef 


^f 


W 


«MMkiau>Mi|iMMwiMM*MMlia 


<^HIMai*aa 


t  I"  1  •     . 

eJ(eeme4  it  a  luck/  omenj  ifhd  ^4|pg  roafted  it  whole,  ever^ 
one  in  the  camp  partookof  it.  After  their  feaft,  they  all  joined 
in  a  daflce,  which  the)^rnied,  from  its  being  fomewhat  of  « 
religious  nature^ ""a  Dance  of  the  facrifice.  ' 


i.     .*: 


f 


CHAPTER     VIII, 

Of  their  Hunting. 


■F.  -. 


HUNTING  is  the  principal  occupation  of  the  Indians; 
they  are  trained  to  it  from  their  earlieft  youth,  and  it  is 
an  exercife  which  is  efteemed  no  lefs  honourable  than  neceffary 
towards  their  fubfiftence.  A  dextrous  and  refolute  hunter  is 
h«?id  nearly  in  as  great  eftiraation  by  them  as  a  diilinguifhed  war- 
rior. Scarcely  any  device  which  the  ingenuity  of  man  has  dif- 
covered  for  enfnaring  or  dcftroying  thofe  animals  that  fupply 
them  with  food,  or.  whofe  skins  are  valuable  to  Europeaiis,  is 
unknown  to  them. 

Whilft  they  are  engaged  in  this  e^^ercife,  they  (hake  off  the 
indolence  peculiar  to  their  nature,  and  become  aftive,  perfi^ver- 
ing,  and  indefatigable.  They,  are  equally  fagacious  in  iinding 
their  prey,  and  in  the  means  they  ufe  to  deftroy  it.  They  dif- 
cern  the  footfteps  of  the  hearts  they  are  in  purfuit  of,  although 
they  are  imperciptible  to  every  other  eye,  and  can  follow  them 
wit|j  cfertainty  through  the  pathlefs  foreft. 

The  beafts  that  the  Indians  hunt,  both  for  their  flefli  On  which 
they  fubfift,  and  for  their  skins,  of  which  they  either  make  their 
apparel,  or  barter  with  the  Europeans  for  neceflfarles,  are  the 
buffalo,  the  cik,  the  deer,  the  moofe,  carribboo,  the  bear,  the 
beaver,  the  otter,  die  martin,  &Ci  I  defer  giving  a  defcription^, 
of  thefe  c^ieatures  here,  and  ihall  only  at  prefent  treat  of  thekr^ ' 
manner  of  hunting  them.  -''''- 

The  route  they  (hall  take  for  this  purpofe,  and  the  parties 
•that.lhall  go  on  the  different  expeditions  are  fixed  in  their  genifc  • 
ral  councils  which  arc  held  fome  time  in  the  fummpr,  when  aft 
the  operations  for  the  enfuing  winter  are  concluded  on.  The 
chief-warrior,  whofe  province  it  is  to  regulate  their  proceed- 
ings on  this  occafion,  with  great  folemnity  iffues  out  an  invita- 
tion to  thofe  who  choofe  to  attend  him;  for  the  Indians,  as  be- 
fore obferved,  acknowledge  no  fuperiority,  nor  have  they  any 
idea  of  compulfion;  and  everyone  that  accepts  it  prepares him- 
ifttf'by  falling  during  feveral  days. 


'^i^. 


■ 


la^   1* 


V  The  Indians  do  not  faft  |p  fiime'  other  nations  do,  on  the  rich- 
efl  and  inoll  kixurioiis  food,  but  they  totally  abftain  from  every 
Kind  either  of  vicluals  or  drink,"  ancM|||Lch  is  their  patience  and 
rcfoliition,  that  the  inoft  extreme  tnfrn  could  not  oblige  them 
to  talle  a  drop  of  uMter;  yet  amidft  this  fevere  abrtincncc  they 
appear  cheerful  and  happy. 

The  rcafons  they  give  for  thus  fafting,  arc,  that  it  enables 
them  freely  to  dream,  in  which  dreams  they  are  informed  where 
they  Ihall  find  the  grsatcfl:  plenty  of  game;  and  alfo  that  it  averts 
the  difplcafure  ot  the  evil  fpirits,  and  induces  them  to  be  pro- 
pitious. They  J^fo  on  thefe  occafions  blacken  tbofe  parts  of 
tjicir  bodies  that  are  uncovered. 

The  faft  beipg  ended,  and  the  place  of  hunting  made  known, 
t^ic  chief  who  is  to  conduct  them,  gives  a  grand  feaft  to  tbofe 
who  are  to  form  the  different  parties  i  of  which  none  of  them 
dare  to  partake  till  they  have  bathed  themfelves.  At  this  feaft, 
notwithflanding  they  have  failed  fo  long,  they  eat  with  great 
moderation;  and  the  chief  that  prefides  employs  himfelf  in  re- 
hearfing  the  feats  of  thofc  who  have  been  moft  fuccefsful  in  the 
bufinefs  they  are  about  to  enter  upon.  They  foon  after  fet  out 
on  the  march  towards  the  place  appointed,  painted  or  rather 
bedawbed  with  black,  amidft  the  acclamations  of  all  the  people. 

It  is  impoffible  to  defcribe  their  agility  or  perfeverance,  whilft 
they  are  in  purfuit  of  their  prey,-  neither  thickets,  ditches,  tor- 
rents, pools,  or  rivers  ftop  them;  they  always  go  ftrait  forward 
in  the  moft  direft  line  they  pollibly  can,  and  there  are  few  of  the 
favage  inhabitants  of  the  woods  that  they  cannot  overtake. 

When  they  hunt  for  bears,  they  endeavour  to  find  out  their 
retreats  J  for,  during  the  winter  thefe  animals  conceal  them- 
felves in  the  hollow  trunks  of  trees,  or  make  themfelves  holes 
in  the  ground,  where  they  continue  without  food,  whilft  the 
fevere  weather  lafts. 

When  the  Indians  think  they  have  arrived  at  a  place  where 
thefe  creatures  ufually  haunt,  they  form  themfelves  into  a  circle 
^according  to  their  number,  and  moving  onward,  endeavour,  as 
they  advance  towards  the  centre,  to  difcovcr  the  retreats  of  their 
prey.  By  this  means,  if  any  lie  in  the  intermediate  fpace,  they 
are  fure  of  aroufing  them,  and  bringing  them  down  either  with 
their  bows  or  their  guns.  The  bears  will  take  to  flight  at  fight 
of  a  man  or  a  dog,  and  will  only  make  refiftance  when  they  are 
extremely  hungry,  or  after  they  are  wounded. 
*  The  Indian  method  of  hunting  the  bufl'alo  is  by  forming  a 
circle  or  a  fquare,  nearly  in  the  fame  manner  as  when  they  fearch 
for  the  bear.  Having  taken  their  different  ftations,  they  fet  the 
grafs,  which  at  this  time  is  rank  and  dry,  on  fire,  and  thefe  ani- 
mals, who  are  extremely  fearful  of  that  element,  flying  with 
precipitaMon  before  it,  great  numbers  are  hcHuned  in  a  fmall 
compafs,  and  fcaiccly  a  fmgle  one  efcapes. 


•*  "■*?'> 
*■■*■ 


The 


% 


**«n»«lii<ir|ii' 


■Mi.mt 


K^-^ 


They  have  dlffert?nt  ways  of  hunting  the  elk,  the  deer,  and 

the  cairibboo.  Sometimes  they  feck  them  out  in  the  woods,  to 
which  they  retire  during^-thc  fcverity  of  the  cold,  where  they 
are  cafily  fhot  from  behind  the  trees.  In  the  more  northern  cli- 
mates they  take  the  advantage  of  the  weather  to  dcftroy  the  elk; 
when  the  fun  has  juft  ftrength  enough  to  melt  the  fnow,  and  the 
froft  in  the  night  forms  a  kind  of  cruiV  oh  the  furface,  this  crea- 
ture being  heavy,  breaks  it  with  his  forked  hoofs,  and  with 
difficulty  extricates  himfelf  from  it:  at  this  time  therefore  he  is 
foon  overtaken  and  deftroyed. 

Some  nations  have  a  method  of  hunting  thefe  animals  which 
is  more  cafily  executed,  and  free  from  danger.  The  hunting 
party  divide  themfclves  into  two  bands,  and  choofing  a  fpot  near 
the  borders  of  fome  river,  one  party  embarks  on  board  their 
canoes,  whilft  the  other  forming  themfclves  into  a  iemi-circle 
on  the  land,  the  flanks  of  which  reach  the  iTiore,  let  loofe  their 
dogs,  and  by  this  means  roufe  all  the  game  that  lies  within  thefe 
bounds;  they  then  drive  them  towards  the  river,  into  which 
they  no  fooner  enter,  than  the  grcateil  part  of  them  arfi  ijnme* 
diately  difpatchcd  by  thofe  who  remain  in  the  canoes.  *f  .^ 

Both  the  elk  and  the  buffalo  are  very  furious  when  they  are 
wounded,  and  will  return  fiercely  on  their  purfuers,  and  tram- 
ple them  under  their  feet,  if  the  hunter  finds  no  means  to  com- 
plete their  deftru6lion,  or  fecks  for  fecurity  in  flight  to  fome  ad- 
jacent tree;  by  this  method  they  are  frequently  avoided,  and  fo 
tired  with  the  purluit,  that  they  voluntarily  give  it  over.  . 

But  the  hunting  in  which  the  Indians,  particularly  thofe  who 
inhabit  the  northern  parts,  chiefly  employ  themfclves,  and  from 
which  they  reap  the  greateft  advantage,  is  the  beaver  htlnting. 
The  feafon  for  this  is  throughout  the  whole  of  the  winter,  from 
November  to  April ;  during  which  time  the  fur  of  thefe  creatures 
is  in  the  grcateil  perfection.  A  defcription  of  this  extraordinary 
anin||I,  the  conftruflion  of  their  huts,  and  the  regulations  of 
their  almoll  rational  community,  I  fhall  give  in  another  place. 

The  hunters  make  ufe  of  feveral  methods  to  deftroy  them. 
Thofe  generally  praflifed,  are  cither  that  of  taking  them  in  inares, 
cutting  through  the  ice,  or  opening  their  cauleways. 

As  the  Qyas  of  thefe  animals  are  very  quick,  and  their  hearing 
exceedingly  accute,  great  precaution  is  neceffai^  In  approaching 
their  abodes ;  for  as  they  feldom  go  far  from  the  water,  and 
their  houfes  are  always  built  clofe  to  the  fide  of  fome  large  ri- 
ver or  lake,  or  dams  of  their  own  conftrufting,  upon  the  lealt 
alarm  they  haftcn  to  the  deepeft  part  of  the  water,  and  dive  inv 
mediately  to  the  bottom ;  as  they  do  this  they  make  a  great  npife 
by  beating  the  water  with  their  tails,  on  purp.ofe  to  put  the 
whole  fraternity  on  their  guard. 

They  take  them  with  fnarcs  in  the  following  manner ;  though 
the  beavers  ufually  lay  up  a  fufficient  flore  of  provifign  to  ferve 
for  their  fubfillence  during  the  winter,  they  make  from  time  to 
time  e^icurfions  to  the  neighbouring  woods  to  procure  further 

fuppUes 


»■  :/■ 


f:*!f« 


%  [     124     1  • 

fupplles  of  food.  The  hunters  having  fdttft^  Q^t  their  haunts, 
place  a  trap  in  their  way,  baited  with  fmall  pieces  of  bark,  or 
young  ihoots  of  trees,  which  the  beaverhas  no  fooner  laid  hold 
of,  than  a  large  log  of  wood  falls  upon  him,  and  breaks  his 
back ;  his  enemies,  who  are  upon  the  watch,  foon  appear,  and 
inftantly  difpatch  the  helplefs  animal. 

At  other  times,  when  the  ice  on  the  rivers  and  lakes  is  about 
half  a  foot  thick,  they  make  an  opening  through  it  with  their 
hatchets,  to  which  the  beavers  will  loon  haften,  on  being  dif- 
turbed  at  their  houfes,  for  a  fupply  of  freih  air.  As  their  breath 
occafions  a  confiderajjle  motion  in  the  waters,  the  hunter  has 
fulHcient  notice  of  their  approach,  and  methods  are  eafily  taken 
for  knocking  them  on  the  head  the  moment  they  appear  above 
^the  (urface. 

When  the  houfes  of  the  beavers  happen  to  be  near  a  rivu- 
let, they  are  more  eafily  deftroyed :  the  hunters  then  cut  the  ice, 
jmdfpreading  a  net  under  it,  break  down  the  cabins  ot  the  bea- 
vers, who  never  fail  to  make  towards  the  deepeft  part,  where 
they  are  entangled  and  taken.  But  they  muft  not  be  fuffercd  to 
remain  there  long,  as  they  would  foon  extricate  themfelveswith 
their  teeth,  which  are  well  known  to  be  cxceflively  iharp  and 
ftrong. 

The  Indians  take  great  care  to  hinder  their  dogs  from  touch- 
ing the  bones  of  the  beavers.  The  reafons  they  give  for  thefe 
precautions,  are,  firll,  that  the  bones  are  fo  exceffively  hard, 
that  they  fpoil  the  teeth  of  the  dogs ;  and,  fecondly,  that  they 
are  apprehenfive  they  ihall  fo  exafperate  the  fpirits  of  the  bea- 
vers by  this  permiffion,  as  to  render  the  next  hunting  feafon 
ehfuccefsful. 

The  skins  of  thefe  animals  the  hunters  exchange  with  tho 
Eitropeans  for  neceffaries,  and  as  they  arc  more  valued  by  the 
latter  than  any  other  kind  of  furs,  they  pay  the  greateit  attenti- 
on  to  this'f|iecies  of  hunting.  ^ 

When  the  Indians  deilroy  bufFalos,  elks,  deer,  &c.  they  ge- 
ncraHy  divide  the  flefli  of  fuch  as  they  have  taken  among  the 
tribe  to  which  they  belong.  But  in  hunting  the  beaver  a  few 
families  ufually  unite  and  divide  the  fpoil  between  them.  In- 
deed,  in  the  tirft  ini^ance  they  generally  pay  fome  attention  in 
the  divifion  to  ifneir  own  families;  but  no  jealoufies  ormurmur- 
ings  are  ever  known  to  arife  on  account  ot  -nv  apparent  paiti- 
^ality. 

Among  the  Naudoweflles,  if  a  pcrfon  ihoots  a  deer,  buffalo, 
&c.  and  it  runs  to  a  confiderable  diflance  before  it  drops,  where 
a  perfon  belonging  to  another  tribe,  being  nearer,  firft  flicks  a 
knife  into  it,  the  game  is  confidcred  as  the  property  of  the  lat- 
ter, notwithftanding  it  had  been  mortally  wounded  by  the  for- 
mer. Though  this  cultom  appears  to  be  arbitrary  and  unjuft, 
yet  that  people  cheerfully  lubmit  to  it.  This  decilion  is,  how- 
ever, very  different  from  that  praftifed  by  the  Indians  on  the 
bjck  of  the  colonies,  where  the  firft  pcrfon  that  hits  it  is  enti- 
tled to  the  beft  Ihare.  .    .      ir* 


I****!* 


J^^tM^^^^M^M^^^il^^^^^A^ 


Tvn-'tmm^t'^'^^''-  ■■f-«ft-<ft*«T--*- 


'■"'■  ¥•>, 


I    "S    J 

CHAPTER     IX. 

»f.. 

Of  their  Manner  of  makmg  War,   6 v. 


ft- 


■..V  .    -v 
■*  ■■  '■  *  **?■' 


^T^  HE  Indians  begin  to  bear  arms  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  and  ' 
X.     lay  them  afide  when  they  arrive  at  the  age  of  fixty.  Some 
nations  to  the  fouthward,  I  have  been   Informed,  do  not  con- 
tinue their  military  exercifes  after  they  are  lifty. 

In  every  band  or  nation  there  is  a  feiecl  number  whoareftiled 
the  warriors,  and  who  are  always  ready  toad  either  oiTenfively 
or  defenfivcly,  as  occafion  requires.  Thefe  are  well  armed, 
bearing  the  weapons  commonly  in  ufe  among  them,  which  vary 
according  to  the  fituation  of  their  countries.  Such  as  have  an 
intercourfe  with  the  Europeans  make  ufe  of  tomahawks,  Knives, 
and  lire-arms;  but  thofe  whofe  dwellings  are  fituated  19.  the 
welhvard  of  the  Mifliffippi,  and  who  have  not  an  opportunity 
of  purchafing  thefe  kinds  of  weapons,  ufe  bows  and  arjF^v^s,  and 
alfo  the  Caif^  Tete  or  War-club. 

The  Indians  that  inhabit  ftill  farther  to  the  weftward,  a  coun- 
try which  extends  to  the  South  Sea,  ufe  in  fight  a  wari|fee  in- 
ftrument  that  is  very  uncommon.  Having  great  plenty  of  horfes, 
they  always  attack  their  enemies  on  horfeback,  and  encumber 
themfelves  with  no  other  wcapop,  than  a  (lone  of  a  middUng 
fize,  curioully  wrought,  which  they  fallen  by  a  firing,  about  a 
yard  and  a  half  long,  to  their  right  arms,  a  little  above' the  el- 
bo^  Thefe  Hones  they  conveniently  carry  in  their  hands,  till 
they  reach  their  enemies,  and  then  fwinging  them  with  great 
dexterity^  as  they  ride  full  fpecd,  never  fail  of  doing  execution. 
The  country  which  thefe  tribes  poffefs,  aboundjiig  with  large 
extenlive  plains,  thofe  who  attack  them  feldom  return;  as  the 
fwiftncfs  of  the  horfes,  on  which  they  are  mounted,,  enables 
them  to  overtake  even  the  fleetelt  of  their  invilders.   t-j>,^v  j,-:^ 

The  Naudowellies,  who  had  been  at  war  with  this  people, 
informed  me,  that  unlefs  they  found  moralles  or  thickets  to 
which  tliey  could  retire,  they  were  fure  of  being  cutjoNBT:  to 
prevent  this  they  always  took  care  whenever  they  madid^^an -on' 
fet,  to  do  it  near  fuch  retreats  as  were  impafTable  forxavaltyj 
they  then  having  a  great  advantage  over  their  enemies,  whofp 
weapons  would  not  there  reach  them. 

Some  nations  make  ule  of  a  javelin,  pointed  with  bone,  work- 

ftd  into  different  forms;  but  their  Indian  weapons  in  general 

are  bows  and  arrows,  and  the  Ihort  club  alrjeady  mentioned. 

T^ie  latter  is  made  of  a  very  hard  wood,  and  the  head  of  it 

%  laihioned 


^ 


^js^r  #^ 


4^ 


m 


f^nitoned  round  like  a  ball,  about  three  inches  and  a  half  dia-  '•I 
meter;  in  this  rotund  partis  fixed  an  edge  rcffembling  tliat  of 
a  tomahawk,  either  of  ftcel  or  flint,  whichever  they  can  pro- 
euro. 

The  dagger  is  peculiar  to  the  Naudoweflle  nation,  and  of  an- 
cient conflrutflion,  but  they  can  give  no  account  how  long  it 
lias  been  in  ufc  among  thein.  It  was  originalfcf  made  of  flint  or 
bone,  but  fince  they  have  had  communication  with  the  Euro- 
pean traders,  they  have  formed  it  of  fteel.  The  length  of  it  is 
about  ten  inches,  and  that  part  clofc  to  the  handle  nearly  three 
mches  broad.  Its  edges  are  keen,  and  it  gradually  tapers  to- 
wards a  point.  They  wear  it  in  a  iTieath  made  of  deer  s  leather, 
neatly  ornamented  with  porcupine  quills;  and  it  is  ufualJy  hung 
by  a  firing,  decorated  in  the  fame  manner,  which  reaches  as 
iow  only  as  the  breail:.  This  curious  weapon  is  worn  by  a  few 
of  the  principal  chiefs  alone,  and  coniidered  both  as  an  ufcful 
hittrument,  and  an  ornamental  badge  of  fuperiority. 

1  obierved  among  the  Naudoweilies  a  few  targets   or  fhields 

made  of  raw  buffalo  hides,  and  in  the  form  of  thofe  ufed  by  the 

.<*<"  ancients.     But  as  the  number  of  thefe  was  fmall,  and  I  could 

>  gain  no  intelligence  of  the  aera  in  which  they  iirft  were  intro* 

dueed  among  them,  I  fuppofe  thofc  I  faw  had  defcended  from 

father  to  fon  for  many  generations. 

The  reafons  the  Indians,  give  for  making  war  againft  one*  ano- 
ther, are  much  the  fanw  as  thofe  urged  by  more  civilized  nati- 
ons for  diflurbing  the  tranquillity  of  their  neighbours.  The 
pleas  of  the  former  are  however  in  general  more  rational  and 
juft,  than  fuch  as  are  brought  by  Furopeans  in  vindication  of 
their  proceedings. 
V  ^  Tl>e  extenfion  of  empire,  is  feldom  a  motive  with  thefe  peo- 
ple .to  invade,  and  to  commit  depredations  on  the  territories  of 
tlK)fe  who  happen  to  dwell  near  them.  To  iecure  the  rights  of 
bunting  within  particular  limits,  to  maintain  the  liberty  of  |>a(r- 
ing  through  their  accuftomed  tracks,  and  to  guard  tnol'e  lands 
which  thi^y  confidcr  from  a  long  tenure  as  their  own,  agalnll 
any  infringcmont,  arc  the  general  caul'es  of  thofe  dilTenfions  that 
fo  often  break  out  between  the  Indian  nations,  and  which  are 
carried  on  with  fo  much  animofity. 

Though  ftrang^rs  to  the  idea  of  feparatc  property,  yet  the 
mofl  uncultivated  among  them  are  well  acquainted  with  the 
yifjbts  of  their  community  to  the  domains  they  poliefs,  and  op- 
pofe  vdth  vigour  every  encroachment  on  them. 

Notwithilanding  it  is  generally  fuppofed  that  from  their  ter- 
ritories being  fo  extenfive,  the  boundaries  of  them  cannot  be 
al'certained,  yet  I  am  well  aflTured  that  the  U^its  of  each  nati- 
on in  the  interior  parts  are  laid  down  in  their  rude  plans  with 
great  precilion.  By  theirs,  a*  I  have  before  obferved,' was  I 
-.(enabled  to  regulate  my  own;  and  after  the  mofl  exaft  obfervat^* 
Ijtts  and  enquiries  found  very  few  inttances  io  which  they  er« 

Wd,^..^-v     •    ■.    .        ....  -   .......       -.;:,  ,  -'' 


«■«.'-»■    .v;. 


m^ 


mtm 


JJiiMln 


ilf  dia.  ^ 
;hat  of     . 
n  pro- 
of an- 
long  il 
flint  or 
I  Euro- 
of  it  is 
[y  three 
)ers  to- 
icather, 
lly  hung 
ichcs  as 
>y  a  few 
n  ufcful 

r  Oilel4s 
d  by  the 
I  could 
re  intro* 
led  from 

Dne»  ano- 
itd  nati- 
5.  The 
onal  and 
cation  of 

icfe  peo* 
tories  of 
rights  of 
of  fjaff- 
e  lands 
againft 
Rons  that 
lich  are 


the 
the 
and  op- 


yet 
ftnth 


their  ter- 
annot  be 
ach  nati- 
ans  with 
d,' was  I 
iblervat^. 
they  er» 


s  4«ir: 


•t  t      127      ]  ^ 

^  But  Intereft  Is"  not  cither  the  mod  frequent  or  moft  powerful 
incentive  to  their  making  war  on  each  other.  The  paflion  of 
revenge,  which  Is  the  dirtinguifhing  char  after  i  (lie  of  thefc  peo- 
ple, Is  the  moft  general  motive.  Injuries  are  felt  by  them  with 
exquiiite  fenfibility,  and  vengeance  purfucd  with  unremitted  ar- 
dour. To  this  may  be  added,  that  natural  excitation  which 
every  Indian  becomes  fcnfible  of  as  foon  as  he  approaclics  Uia 
age  of  manhood  to  give  proofs  of  his  valour  and  prowefs.  i" 
As  they  are  early  polfeired  with  a  notion  that  war  ought  to  be 
the  chief  bulincfs  of  their  lives,  that  there  is  nothing  more  de- 
firous  than  the  reputation  of  being  a  great  warrior,  and  that 
the  fcalps  of  their  enemies,  or  a  number  of  prifoners  arc  alone 
to  be  efteemed  valuable,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the 
younger  Indians  qire  continually  reftlefs  and  uneafy  if  their  ar- , 
dour  is  reprefUbd,  and  they  are  kept  in  a  ftatc  of  inaftivity. 
Either  of  thefe  propenfities,  the  defire  of  revenge,  or  the  gra- 
tilication  of  an  impulfe,  that  by  degrees  becomes  habitual  to 
them,  is  fullrcicnt,  frequently,  to  induce  them  to  commit  hofti- 
lities  on  fome  of  the  neighbouring  nations.  ' 

When  the  chiefs  fmd  any  occafion  for  making  war,  they  en- 
deavour to  aroufe  thefe  habitudes,  and  by  that  means  foonexcita 
their  warriors  to  take  arms.  To  this  purpofe  they  make  ufe  of  . 
their  martial  eloquence,  nearly  in  the  following  words,  which 
never  fails  of  proving  efFeftual;  "  The  bones  of  our  deceafcd 
**  countrymen  He  uncovered,  they  call  out  to  us  to  revenge 
**  their  wrongs,  and  we  mud  fatisfy  their  requeft.  Their  fpi-^ 
**  rits  cry  out  againft  us.  They  muft  be  appeafed.  The  genii, 
"  who  arc  the  guardians  of  our  honour,  infpire  us  with  a  refo- 
**  lution  to  feek  the  enemies  of  our  murdered  brothers.  Let 
*'  us  go  and  devour  thofe  by  whom  they  were  flain.  Sit  there- 
"  fore  no  longer  inaiftivc,  give  way  to  the  impulfe  of  your  na- 
**  tural  valour,  anoint  your  hair,  paint  your  faces,  till  your 
quivers,  caufc  the  forulls  to  refound  with  your  fongs,  con* 
fole  the  fpirits  of  the  dead,  and  tell  them  they  ihall  be  re^ 
venged."  '  ''^'  "i-    \ 

Animated  by  thefe  exhortations  the  warriors  fnatch  their 
arms  in  a  tranfport  of  fury,  ling  the  fong  of  war,  and  burn 
with  impatience  to  imbrue  their  hands  in  the  blood  of  their  ene- 
mies. 

Sometimes  private  chiefs  affemble  fmall  parties,  and  ma^ 
excurlions  agajnft  thoic  with  whom  they  are  at  war,  or  fuch"  ^ 
have  injured  them.  A  fingle  warrior,  prompted  by  revenge  or 
a  defire  to  Ihow  his  prowefs,  will  march  unattended  for  feveral 
hufi(S»4>d  miles,  to  furprize  and  cut  off  a  ftraggling  party. 

Thefe  irregular  failles,  however,  are  not  always  approved 
of  by  the  elder  chiefs,  though  they  are  often  obliged  to  con- 
spire at  them;  as  in  the  inftance  before  given  of  the  Naudo- 
4jpeflie  and  Chlpiiway  nations.  e-r 

■  But  when  a  war  is  national,  and  undertaken  by  the  commu- 
Blcy*  their  deliberations  are  formal  and  (low.    The  elders  af- 

fembl« 


#.^ 


■  t  T^ 


^ 


fcmble  in  council,  to  which*  all  the  head  warrion  ancf- young 
men  are  admitted,  where  they  deliver  their  opinions  in  folenm 
fpecches,  weighing  with  maturity  the  nature  of  the  enterprizc 
they  are  about  to  engage  in,  and  balancing  with  great  fagacity 
""  the  advantages  or  inconveniences  that  will  arife  from  it. 
'^■<i*:  Their  pritfrts  are  alio  confulted  on  the  fubiecl,  and  even, 
fometimes,  the  advice  of  the  inoft  intelligent  of  their  women  is 
asked. 

If  the  determination  be  for  war,  they  prepare  for  it  with 
much  ceremony, 
r  The  chief  warrior  of  a  nation  does  not  on  all  occafions  head 
the  war  party  himfelf,  he  frequently  deputes  a  warrior  of  whofe 
valour  and  prudence  he  has  a  good  opinion.  The  perfon  thus 
fixed  on  being  firft  bedawbed  with  black,  obferves  a  faft  of  fc- 
veral  days,  during  which  he  invokes  the  .Great  Spirit,  or  de- 
precates the  anger  of  the  evil  ones,  holding  whilft  it  lafts  no 
converfe  with  any  of  his  tribe. 
X  He  is  particularly  careful  at  the  fame  t,:  ;e  to  obferve  his 
dreams,  for  on  thefe  do  they  fuppofe  their  fuccefs  will  in  a 
great  meafure  depend;  and  from  the  firm  perfuafion  every  In- 
dian atluated  by  his  own  piefumptuous  tlioughts  is  impreflcd 
with,  that  he  iTiail  march  forth  to  certain  viflory,  thele  are 
generally  favourable  to  his  wiftes. 

After  he  has  fafted  as  long  as  cuftom  prefcribes,  he  afTcmblcs 
the  warriors,  and  holding  a  be't  of  wampum  in  his  hand,  thus 
addreffes  them: 
?  "  Brothers!  by  the  fnfpiration  of  the  Great  Spirit  I  now 

•*  fpeak  unto  you,  and  by  him  am  [prompted  to  carry  into  exe- 
«*  cution  the  intentions  which  I  am  about  to  difclofe  to  you. 
**  The  blood  of  our  decealed  brothers  is  not  yet  wiped  awny; 
**  their  bodies  are  not  y«t  covered,  and  I  am  going  to  per- 
**  form  this  duty  to  them." 

Having  then  made  known  to  them  all  the  motives  that  induce 
him  to  take  up  arms  againfl:  the  nation  with  whom  they  are  to 
engage,  he  thus  proceeds :     "  I  have  therefore    refolved  to 
**  march  through  the  war-path  to  furprize  them.     \Vc  will  eat 
•'  their  flefh,  and  drink  their  blood;  we  will  take  fcalps,  and 
,  **  make  prifoners;  and  iTiould  we  perilli  in  this  glorious  enter- 
ic-',"  prize,  we  fliall  not  be  forever  hid  in  the  duil,  for  this  belt 
»  •*  lliall  be  a  recompence  to  him  who  buries  the  dead."     Having 
!,faid  this,  he  lays  the  belt  on  the  ground,  and  he  who  takes  it 
up  declares  himfelf  his  lieutenant,  and  is  confidered  as  the  fe- 
cond  in  command ;  this,  however,  is  only  done   by  fome  dif- 
tinguillied  warrior  who  has  a  right,  by  the  number  of  his  fcalps, 
to  the  port.  -J 

Though  the  Indians  thus  aflert  that  they  will  eat  the  flefh  arii 
drink  the  blood  of  their  enemies,  the  threat  is  only  to  be  con- 
fidered as  a  figurative  exprellion.  Notwithftanding  they  fomt- 
times  devour  the  hearts  of  thofe  they  ilay,  and  drink  thejr 
blood,  by  way  of  bravado,  or  to  gratify  in  a  more  complcW 

maiinet 


rftK^miiVtmanirt 


kMM 


[     129   -1  '     ■'' 

manner  their,  revenge,  yet  they  are  not  naturally  anthropophagi,      ' ; 
nor  ever  fccii  on  the  litih  of  men.. 

'I'ho  chief  is  now  wailicii  from  his  fahle  covcrhig,  anointed  ' 
with  l)cai's  fat,  and paintci.i  with  their  rod  paint,  In  fuch  figures 
as  will  make  hiin  appo.annolt  tcrrihlc  to  his  enemies.  He  then 
finj^s  the  war  long,  and  ftiumcratcs  his  warlike  a-'Uons.  Hav- 
ing done  this  he  fixes  his  c^cs  on  the  fun,  and  pays  his  adora-  * 
tions  to  the  Great  Spirit,  in  which  he  is  accompanied  by  all  the 
warriors. 

This  ceremony  is  followed  (Villi  dances,  fuch  as  I 'have  be-'      A'. 
fore  dcfcribed;  and  the  whole  Concludes  with  a  lead,  whi(;li  '    . 
ulually  con  litis  of  dogs  tlelli.  jJP 

This  feafl  is  held  in  the  hut  or  tent  of  the  chief  warrior,  td 
which  all  thofe  who  intend  tu  accompany  him  in  his  expedition 
fend  their   diHies   to  be  filled;  and  during  the  feafl:,  notwith-   ' 
{landing  he  has  failed  fo  long,  Wt  fits  compofedly  with  his  pipo 
in  his  month,  and  recounts  the  valorous  deeds  of  his  family.  ■  ■ 

As  the  liopes  of  having  their  wounds,  llxould  they  receive 
any,  properly  treated,  and  expeditiouily  cured,  mull  be  fome       .    ' 
additional  inducement  to  the  warriors  to  cxporcLhcmfclves  more 
freely  to  Hanger,  the  priells,  who  are  alio  their  doftors,  pre-  ^  .     , 
pare  fuch  niedecincs  as  will  prove  efficacious.     With  great  ce-  4  ■  , 
jcinony  they  carry  various  roots  and  plants,  and  pretend  that  JfY  *» 
they  impart  to  them  the  power  of  healing.  ':'-».. 

Nobtwlthllanding  this  fuperflitious  method  of  proceeding,  it 
is  very  certain  that  they  have  acquired  a  knowledge  of  many 
plants  and  herbs  that  are  of  a  medicinal  quality,  and  which  they 
know  how  to  u(e  with  great  skill. 

From  the  time  the  refolution  of  engaging  in  a  war  is  taken,  to 
the  departure  of  the  warriors,  the  nights  are  fpent  in  fcftivity, 
and  their  days  in  making  the  neediul  preparations. 

If  it  is  thought  necelfary  by  tlie  nation  going  to  war,  to  foli-, 
clt  the  alliance  of  any-neighbouring  tribe,  they  lix  upon  one  of 
their  chiefs  who  fpeaks  the  language  of  that  people  well,  and 
who  IS  a  good  orator,  and  fend  to  ihem  by  him  a  belt  of  wam- 
pum, on  which  js  fpeci.ied  the  purport  of  theemhally  in  fi[Tures 
thai  every  nation  is  well  acquainted  uiin.  At  the  lame  time  he  '  .' 
carries  with  him  a  hatchet  painted  red.  ;^:,'. 

As  foon  as  he  reaches  the  camp  or  village,  to  which  he  is  de-     i 
ftincd,  he  acquaints  the  chief  of  liie  tribe.w,ith  the  general  tenor         H; 
of  his  commiflion,  who  immediately    allembies    a  council,   to  '•, 
which  the  ambaiiador  is  invited.     Tliere  havin^g  laid  the  hatchet 
on  the  ground  he  holds  the  belt  in  hi^  hand,  and  enters  more 
minutely  into  the  occalion  of  his  embalTy.     In  his  fpeech  he  in» 
vites  them  to  take  up  the  hatchet,  and  as  foon  as  he  has^finiflied- 
(peaking  delivers  the  belt.  ,      . 

if  his  hearers  are  inclined  to  become  auxiliaries  to  his  nation, 
a  chief  rteps  forward  and  t^ikes  up  the  hatchet,  and  they  imme- 
diattly  efppufe  with  fpiric  the  caufe  they  have  thus  engaged  ^0 
fu^port.    Bui  if  01}  iki'i  applicacian  neic^tier  the  ^elt  oi  hatphec 


m.' 


f    »3o    1 


» 


^ 


are  accepted,  the  emiflTary  concludes  that  the  people  wbofb  tf- 
finance  he  folicits  have  already  entered  into  an  alliance  with  the 
Foes  of  his  nation,  and  returns  with  fpced  to  inform  his  couji- 
trymcn  of  his  ill  fucccfs. 

'  The  manner  in  which  the  Indians  declare  war  a^inft  each 
other,  is  by  fending  a  flavc  with  a  hatchet,  thchandlcof  which 
is  painted  red,  to  the  nation  which  they  intend  to  break  with; 
and  the  melTenger,  notwithftanding  the  danger  to  which  he  if 
expofeii  from  the  fudden  fury  of  thofe  whom  he  thus  fcts  at  de- 
fiance, executes  hh  commiffion  with  great  fidelity. 

Sometimes  this  tokcr^of  defiance  has  fuchan  inftantancoiis ef- 
fert  on  thofe  to  whom  it  is  prcfcnted,  that  in  thcfirft  tranfports 
of  their  fury  a  fmall  party  will  iiTue  forth,  without  waiting  for 
the  pcrmiflion  of  the  eider  chiefs,  and  flaying  the  firft  of  the 
offending  nation  they  meet,  cut  open  the  body  and  ftick  a  hatch. 
ct  of  the  fame  kind  as  that  thfcy  have  juft  received;  into  the 
heart  of  their  flaughrered  foe.  Among  the  more  icmdiic  tribes 
this  is  done  with  an  arrow  or  fpcar,  the  end  of  which  is  paint- 
ed red.  And  the  more  to  exafperate,  they  difmember  the  body, 
to  fhow  that  they  cftccui  them  not  as  men  but  as  old  women. 

The  Indians  feldom  take  the  field  in  large  bodies,  as  fiich 
numbers  would  require  a  greater  degree  of  induflry  to  provide 
for  their  {ubfiftcnce,  during  their  tedious  marches  throiigh  drea- 
ry  forerts,  or  long  voyages  over  lakes  and  rivers,  than  they 
would  care  to  bellow. 

Their  armies  are  never  encumbered  w^ith  baggage  or  milita- 
ry ftores.  Each  warrior,  befides  his  weapons,  carries  with  hfm 
only  a  mat,  and  whilft  at  a  diftance  from  the  frontiers  of  the 
enemy  fupports  himfelf  witli  the  game  he  kills  or  the  fiih  he 
catches. 

When  they  pafs  through  .a  country  where  they  have  no  ap- 
prehenfions  of  meeting  with  an  enemy,  they  ufe  very  little  pre- 
caution :  fometimes  there  are  fcarcely  a  dozen  warriors  left  to- 
gether, the  reft  being  difperfed  in  purfuit  of  their  game;  but 
though  they  fhould  have  roved  to  a  very  confiderable  difliance 
from  the  war-path,  they  are  fure  to  arrive  at  the  place  of  ren- 
dezvous by  the  hour  appointed. 

They  always  pitch  their  tents  long  before  fun-fet;  and  being 
naturally  prefumptuous,  take  very  little  care  to  guard  againft 
a  furprize.  They  place  great  confidence  in  their  Manitous,  or 
houllioki  gods,  which  they  always  carry  with  them ;  and  being 
perfuaded  thaf  they  take  upon  them  the  ofiice  of  centinels,  they 
flecp  very  fecurely  under  their  protcftion. 

Thefe  Manitous,  as  they  are  called  by  fome  nations,  but 
which  are  termed  Wakons,  that  is,  fpirits,  by  the  the  Naudo- 
wcfllcs,  are  nothing  more  than  the  otter  and  martins  skins  I 
have  already  defcribed,  for  which,  however,  they  have  a  great 
.veneration. 

After  they  have  entered  the  enemies  country,  no  people  can 
be  more  cautious  and  circumfpe^j  tires  are  no  longer  lighted, 


^%i*Z.^ 


WMH 


to  more  fliontlng  is  heard,  nor  the  game  sny  longer  purftied. 
They  arc  not  even  pciinittcd  to  fpcak;  but  mul\  convey  what- 
ever they  have  to  impart  to  each  other  by  figns  and  motions. 

They  now  proceed  wholly  by  flratagcm  and  ainbufcadc. 
Having  difcovcred  their  enemies,  they  fend  to  reconnoitre 
them;  and  a  council  is  immediately  held,  during  which  they 
fpcak  only  in  whifpcrs,  to  contidcr  of  the  intclhgcnce  imparteJ 
by  thole  who  were  fent  out. 

The  attack  is  generally  mndc  juft  before  day- break,  at  which 
period  they  fuppofe  the  foes  to  be  in  their  foundcH  ik-ep. 
Throughout  the  whole  of  the  preceding  night  they  will  lie  flat 
upon  their  fiices,  without  ftirring;  and  make  their  approaches 
in  tiie  lame  pollurc,  creeping  upon  their  hands  and  feet  till  they 
are  got  vvithin  bow-(hot  ot  thotc  they  have  deftined  to  deltruc- 
lion.  On  a  figiial  given  by  the  chief  warrior,  to  which  the 
whole  body  makes  anfwer  by  the  mod  hideous  yells,  they  all 
ftait  up,,  and  diCcharging  their  arrows  in  the  (amc  inftant,  v/jth- 
out  giving  their  advcrfarie'^  time  to  recover  from  the  cunfuiloo 
into  which  they  aic  thrown,  pour  in  upon  them  with  their  war- 
dubs  or  tomahawks. 

The  IndLuns  think  tlK;re  is  little  gfory  to  be  acquired  from 
attacking  their  enemies  openiy  in  the  field;  their  greateU  pride 
is  to  furprife  and  deflroy.  They  feldom  engage  without  amani- 
feft  api>earancc  of  advantage.  -If  they  find  the  enemy  on  their 
their  guard,  too  Arongly  entrenched,  or  fuperior  in  nimibers, 
they  retire,  provided  there  is  an  opportunity  of  doing  fo.  And 
they  efleem  it  the  greateft  qualification  of  a  chief  warrior,  to 
be  able  to  manage  an  attack,  fo  as  to  deffroy  as  many  of  the 
enemy  as  pofCble,  at  the  expencc  of  n.  few  men. 

Sometimes  they  fecurc  themlelvcs  behind  trees,  hillocks,  or 
llones,  and  having  given  one  or  two  roiiiids  retire  before  they 
are  difcovered.  Europeans,  who  aie  unacquainted  with  this 
method  of  fightiDg  loo  often  find  to  their  coil  the  dellruflive 
efficacy  of  it. 

General  Braddock  was  one  of  this  wnbappynninber.  March- 
ing in  the  year  1755,  to  attack  Fort  Du  Quefne,  he  was  inter;?>T 
cepted  by  ;  Tty  of  French  and  confederate  Indians  in  their  in- 
tereil,  who  l.  this  infidious  method  of  engaging  found  means 
to  defeat  his  army,  which  confiftcdof  about  two  thoufand  brave 
and  wcll-dircipliued  troops.  So  fecurely  were  the  Indiajw poll- 
ed, that  the  Englifli  fcarccly  knew  from  whence  or  by  whom 
they  were  thus  annoyed.  During  the  whole  of  the  engagement 
the  latter  had  fcarccly  a  fight  of  an  enemy ;  and  were  obliged 
to  retreat  without  the  fatisfaftion  of  being  able  to  take  the  leaft 
degree  of  revenge  for  the  havock  made  among  them.  The  Ge- 
neral paid  for  his  temerity  with  his  life,  and  was  accompanied 
in  his  fall  by  a  great  number  of  brave  fellows,-  wbilfl  his  invi- 
fible  enemies  bad  only  two  or  three  of  their  number  wounded. 

When  the  Indians  fucceed  in  their  filent  approaches,  and  are 
abl«  to   force  the  camp  which  they  attack,  a  Icenc  of  horror 


.-r 


■St    '«■•.-.§( 


^; 


,t>-T>'v."  ;^;.|' 


[  132  i 


1^ 


tfiat  errceeds  defcrfption,  enfiies.  The  favage  fiercenefs  of  thi 
conquerors,  and  llie  dcfperation  of  thi.'  coriqucrcd,  who  well 
know  what  they  ha\^e  to  expcft  iTiould  they  fill  jilivc  into  the 
hands  of  their  afiailants,  occafion  the  moi\  extraordinary  exer- 
tions on  both  lidcs.'  The  i\guie  of  the  combatants  all  befmcar- 
ed  with  black  and  red  paint,  and  covered  with  the  blood  elf  the 
llain,  their  horrid  yells,  and  ungovernable  fury,  arc  not  to  be 
conceived  by  thofe  who  have  never  croflcd  the- Atlantic. 
.■^.  I  have  frequently  been  a  fpeftator  of  them,  and  once  bore  a 
part  in  a  fimilar  fcene.  But  what  added  to  the  horror  of  it  was, 
that  I  had  not  the  confolation  of  being  able  to  oppofc  their 
favage  attacks.  Every  circnmfliance  of  the  adr-cnturc  Hill  du-clls 
on  my  remembrance,  and  enables  me  to  defer i be  with  greater 
perfpicuity  the  brutal  Hercenefs  of  tlie  Indians  when  they  have 
furprized  or  overpowered  an  enemy. 

As  a  detail  of  the  maffacre  at  I'ort  William  Henry  In  the  year 
1757,  the  fcene  to  wliich  1  refer,  cannot  appear  foreign  to  the 
defigii  of  this  publicafiDn,  but  will  fct  ve  to  give  my  readers  a 
jull  idea  of  the  ferocity  of  this  people,  I  ihall  take  the  liberty 
to  infert  it,  apologizing  at  the  fame  time  for  the  length  of  the 
digreflion,  and  thofe  egotifras  which  the  relation  renders  un?.- 
voidablc.  ' 

General  Webb,  who  commanded  the  EnglilK  army  in  North 
Aihgrica,  which  Avas  then  encamped  at  Fort  Edward,  hav-ing  in- 
telligence that  the  French  troops  under  Monf.  Montcalm  were 
making  fome  movements  towards  Fort  William  Henry,  he  de- 
tached a  corps  of  Rbout  fifteen  hundred  men,  confining  of  En- 
glilli  and  Provincials,  to  f^rengthen  the  garrifon.  In  this  party 
I  went  as  a  volunteer  among  the  latter. 

The  apprchcnfions  of  rh&  Englift  General  were  not  without 
foundation;  for  the  day  after  our  frrival  we  fa\r Lake  Gcor^^e 
(jformerly  Lake  Sacrament)  to  Avhich  it  lies  contiguous,  cohered 
with  an  immcnfe  number  of  boats;  and  in  a  few  hours  we  found 
our  lines  attacked  by  the  French  General,  who  'had  ju/r  landed 
with  eleven  thoCifajid  Regulars  and  Canadians  and  two  thoufand 
Indians.  Colonel  Monro,  a  brave  oliictr,  commanded  in  the 
Fort,  and  had  no  more  than  two  thoufand  three  himdred  men 
with  him,'  our  detachment  intluded. 

With  thele  Ijc  made  a  gallant  defence,  and  probably  would 
have  bt^en  able  at  lal^  to  preferve  the  Foit,  had  he  been  proper- 
ly fupporLcd,  and  permitted  to  continirc  liis  elTorts.  On  every 
fummon's  to  furrcnder  fen t  by  the  French  General,  who  ofleicd 
the  moft  honourable  terms,  "his  anfwer  repeatedly  was,  '1  hat  he 
yet  found  himfelf  in  a  condition  to  repel  the  Uiofl  \i[:oiors  at- 
tacks his  befiegcrs  wcrq  able  to  make;  and  if  he  thoufiht  hi^ 
prelent  force  infufiicient,  he  could  foon  be  fupplied  with  a 
greater  number  from  the  adjacent  army- 

But  the  Colonel  having  acquainted  General  Webb  with  hi? 
fjtaation,  and  defircd  he  wc!!id  fend  him  (cmt  frcfli  troops,  the 
general  difpatched  a  medcnger  to  him  with  a  letter,  U'hti ein  he 

informed 


/ 


^-;'^'^ 


Informed  hhi  tlvit  it  was  not  in  his  power  to  afllft  him,  anj 
therefore  gave  him  orders  to  furrender  up  the  Fort  on  the  bcft 
terms  he  could  procure.  This  packet  fell  into  the  hands  of  tha. 
French  General,  who  immediately  fent  a  flag  of  truce,  delirinfi 
a  conference  v.'ith  the  governor.  «^      t 

They  accordingly  met,  attended  only  by  a  fmall  guard,  in  the 
centre  between  the  lines ^  when  Monf.  Montcalm  told  the  Colo- 
nel, that  he  was  come  in  perfon  to  demand  pofTeflion  of  the 
i'lMt,  as  it  belonged  to  the  King  his  mafter.^  The  Colonel  re- 
plied, that  he  k'new  not  how  that  could  be,  lior  fhould  he  fur- 
lencior  it  up  whilfl:  it  was  in  his  power  to  defend  it. 

The.  French  General  rejoined,  at  the  fame  time  delivering  the 
pjickct  into  the  Colonel's  hand,  ^'  liythis  authority  do  I  make 
*\  r'lv.'  :cqiiilition."  The  brave  Governor  had  no  fooner  read 
the  coiitenrs  of  it,  and  was  convinced  that  fuch  were  the  orders 
of  tlie  commander  in  chief,  and  nor  to  be  difobeyed,  than  ho 
hung  his  head  in  lilence,  and  rtlu6lantly  entered  into  a  neg09l- 
ation.  "'^•"  ■ 

Inconfideration  of  the  gallant  defence  thegarrifon  had  made, 
they  were  to  be  permitted  to  march  out  with  all  the  honours  of 
war,  to  be  allowed  covered  waggons  to  tranfport  their  baggage 
to  Fort  Edward,  and  a  guard  to  proteft  them  from  tliC  fury  of 
the  favages.  ■  >. 

The  morning  after  the  capitulation  was  figned,  as  foon  as  day 
broke,  the  whole  garrifon,  now  confifting  of  about  two  thou- 
fand  men,  befides  women  and  children,  were  drawn  up  within 
the  lines,  and  on  the  point  of  marching  olF,  when  great  nuin-' 
bers  of  the  Indians  gathered  about,  and  began  to  plunder.  We 
were  at  firft  in  hopes  that  this  was  their  only  view,  and  fuffered 
them  to  proceed  without  oppofition.  Indeed  it  was  not  in  our 
power  to  make  any,  had  we  been  fo  inclined;  for  though  wo 
were  permitted  to  carry  off  our  arms,  yet  we, were  not  allowed 
a  lingle  round  of  ammunition.  In  thefe  hopes  however  we  were 
riifappointcd:  for  prci'ently  fome  of  them  began  to  attack  the 
fick  and  wounded.,  when  fuch  as  w§re  not  able  to  crawl  into  the 
ranks,  notvvithltanding  they  endeavoured  to  avert  the  fury  of 
their  enemies  by  their  ihrieks  or  groans,  were  foon  difpatched. 

Here  we  wcr^,  fully  in  expcftation  that  the  diflurbance  would 
have  concluded;  and  our  little  army  began  to  move;  but  in  a 
ftort  time  we  faw  the  front  diyiijon  drU'en  back,  and  difcovered 
that  we  were  entirely  encircled  by  the  favages.  We  expefted 
every  moment  that  the  guard,  which  the  French,  by  the  articles 
of  capitulation,  hp.d  agreed  to  allow  us,  would  have  arrived, 
and  piit  an  end  to  our  apprehenfions;  but  none  appeared.  The 
iudians  now  bc./^an  to  Ikip  everyone  without  exception  of  thelK-. 
^iiuj  and  cloaths,  and  thofe  who  made  the  leall;  refiftance  felt^ 
the  weight  of  their  tomahawks. 

'  J  happened  to  be  in  the  rear  divifion,  but  it  was  not  long  be- 
Ibre  I  Diared  the  fate  of  my  companions.  Three  or  four  of  the 
Pn^vages  bid  i>oid  of  me,  and  whilil  fome  held  their  weapons 

.       '  \  *>vct 


fM 


•rcT  mjr  head,  tbe  others  foon  difrobecl  roe  of  btjt  coat,  waift* 

coat,  hat,  and  buckles^  omitting  not  to  take  fromnie  ichat  mo- 
»ey  I  had  in  my  pocket.  As  this  wai  tranfafted  clofe  by  the 
f  aiTage  that  led  from  the  lines  on  to  the  plain,  near  which  » 
Vfiench  centinel  was  pofled,  I  ran  to  him  and  dainied  his  protec- 
tioa;  but  he  only  called  me  an  Englilh  dog,  and  thrufl  voa  with 
violence  back  again  into  the  midfl  of  the  Indians. 

I  now  endeavoured  to  join  a  body  of  our  trooprs  that  were 
rtowded  together  at  foioe  dillancc;  but  innumerable  were  the 
blows  that  were  ihade  at  me  with  different  weapons  as  I  paiTed 
©nj  luckily  however  the  favages  were  fo  clofe  together,  that 
they  could  not  ftrike  at  me  without  endangering  each  other* 
Sfotwithllanding  which  one  of  them  found  means,  to  make  a 
thsuH  at  me  with  a  ipear,  which  grazed  n^  fide,  and  froua  ano- 
ther I  received  a  wcvimd,  with  the  fame  kind  of  weapon,  in  my- 
an^te;  At  length  I  gained  the  fpot  where  my  countrymen  ilood, 
and  forced  m^yfclf  into  the  midft  of  theme  Bi»t  before  I  got 
thus  far  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  the  collar  and  wrift- 
bands  of  my  Qiitt  were  all  that  remained  of  it,  and  myf  fleih  waf 
fcratched  and  torn  in  many  places  by  their  favage  gripes. 

£y  this  time  the  war-hoop  was  given,  and  the  Indians  bega» 
to  n^rder  thoTe  that  were  nearell  to  them  without  didinflion* 
It  is  not  in  the  power  of  words  to  give  any  tolerasble  idea  of  the 
l^rrid  fcene  that  now  errftlcd ;  men,  women,  and  children  were 
cfifpatched  in  the  mod  wanton  and  cruel  manner,  and  immedi- 
ately fcalped.  Many  of  thefe  favages  drank  the  blood  of  thefr 
viAiins,  as  it  flov^ed  warm  from  the  fatal  wound. 
I  We  now  perceived,  thoAigh  too  late  to  avail  us^  that  we  were 
liptexpeft  no  relief  from  the  French ;  and  that,  co«trary  to  the 
agreement  they  had  fo  lately  figned  to  allow  ua  a  fufficient  force 
to  protefl  us  ftoni  thefe  hifuks,  they  tacitly  permitted  them  ; 
for  I  could  plainly^  perceive  the  French  officers  walking  about  at 
fbmbe  diftance,  difcourfing  together  with  apparent  unconcern. 
iox  the  honour  of  human  nature  I  would  hope  that  this  flagrant 
bleach  of  every  facred  law,  proceeded  rather  from  the  favage 
difpofition  of  the  Indians,  which  I  acknowledge  it  is  foioetimefi 
alraoft  impoffiWe  to  contvoul,  and  which  might  bow  unexpefted- 
£y  have  arrived,'to  a  pitch  not  eafily  to  be  reftrained,  than  to 
any  premedilajcd  defign  in  the  French  commander.  An  unpre- 
judiced obferver  would,«bowever,  be  apt  to  conclude,  that  a 
body  of  ten  thou fand  chriftian  troops,  mod  chriftian  troops» 
Juad  it  in  tlieir  powej  to  prevent  the  maffacre  from  becoming  fo 
general.  But  whatever  was  the  caufe  from  which  it  arofe,  the 
coiifcquenccs  of  it  were  dreadful,  and  not  lio  be  parallelled  in 
modern  hillory. 

As  the  circle  in  which  I  Hood  rnclofed  by  this  time  was  much 
thinned,  and  death  feemed  to  be  approaching  with  hafty  flr'de»> 
it  was  propofcd  by  fome  of  the  moft  refolute  to  make  one  vi- 
gorous effort,  and  endeavour  to  force  our  way  thiough  the  fa- 
vages, the  only  probable  metliod  of  prcfeiviog  ouk  lives  that 

now 


^%l>ll>iiv. 


riHiifii 


WH 


flow  tematned.     This,   however  defperate,  wts  rcfolred  <on, 
^i  about  twenty  of  us  fprung  at  once  into  the  raidft  of  them. 

fn  a  moment  we  were  aU  feparated,  and  what  was  the  fate  of 
my  companions  I  could  ,  jt  iearn  tili  fome  months  after,  when 
I  found  that  only  fix  or  fcven  of  thein  cffeifled  their  defign.  Ih«  ' 
tent  only  on  mf  own  hazardous  fituation,  I  endeavoured  t9 
make  my  way  through  my  favage  enemies  in  the  beft  wanner 
pofllble.  And  I  have  often  been  aftoniflied  fince,  when  I  have 
recoHefted  with  what  compofure  I  took,  as  1  did,  every  necef-* 
fary  ftep  for  my  prefervation.  Some  1  overturned,  beir^  at 
that  time  young  and  athletic,  and  others  I  pafTed  by,  dextroufljr 
avoiding  their  weapons;  till  at  laft  two  very  ftout  chiefs,  of  the 
moft  favage  tribes,  as  I  could  diftinguilli  by  their  drefs,  whofe 
(Irength  I  could  not  refill,  laid  hold  of  me  by  each  arm,  and 
bfgan  to  force  me  through  the  crowd. 

I  now  refigned  myfelf  to  my  fate,  not  doubting  but  that  thqf 
intended  to  difpatch  me,  and  tlien  to  fatiate  their  vengeance 
With  my  blood,  as  I  found  they  were  hurrying  me  towards  a  re- 
tired fwamp  that  lay  at  fome  diftance.  But  before  we  had  got 
many  yards,  an  Englilh  gentleman  of  fome  diftinclion,  as  I  could 
difcover  by  his  breeches,  *the  only  covering  he  had  on,  which 
were  of  fine  fcarlet  velvet,  rufljed  clofe  by  us.  One  of  tka 
the  Indians  inllantly  relinquifted  his  bold,  and  fpringing  on  iSii* 
new  objefl,  endeavoured  to  feize  him  as  his  prey;  but  thegei!« 
tleoian  being  ftrong,  threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  would  pro- 
bably have  got  away,  had  not  he  who  held  my  other  arm,  qiiit- 
ted  me  to  affift  his  brother.  I  feized  the  opportunity,  a»d  haften- 
ed  away  to  join  another  party  of  Englilli  troops  that  were  yet 
unbroken,  and  flood  in  a  body  at  fome  diftance.  £ut  before  I 
had  taken  many  fteps,  I  haftily  caft  my  eye  towards  the  gentle* 
man,  and  faw  the  Indian's  tomahawk  galh  into  his  back,  and 
heard  him  utter  his  h&  groan ;  this  added  both  to  my  fpeed  and 
dcfperation. 

I  had  left  this  Ihocking  fcene  but  a  few  yards,  when  a  finebof 
about  twelve  years  of  age,  that  had  hitherto  efcaped,  came  up 
to  me,  and  begged  that  I  would  let  him  lay  hold  of  me,  fo  that 
he  might  ftand  fome  chance  of  getting  out  of  the  hands  of  the 
favages.  i  told  him  that  I  would  give  him  every  afliftance  in  ^ 
my  power,  ana  to  this  purpofe  bid  him  lay  hold;  but  in  a  fetr 
moments  he  was  torn  from  my  fide,  and  by  his  (hrieks  I  jitdga 
was  foon  demolilhed.  I  could  not  help  forgetting  my  own 
cares  for  a  minute,  to  lament  the  fate  of  fo  young  a  fufFerer; 
but  it  wa$  utterly  impoffible  for  me  to  take  any  methods  to  pre- 
vent it. 

I  now  got  once  more  Into  the  midft  of  friends,  but  we  were 
unable  to  afford  each  other  any  fuccour.  As  this  was  the  divi- 
llon  that  had  advanced  the  fur  the  ft  from  the  fort,  I  thought 
there  might  be  a  pofllbility  (though  but  a  very  bare  otte)  of  aiy 
forcing  my  way  through  the  outer  ranks  of  the  Indians,  an« 
getting  Co  a  npighbouxin^  wood,  which  I  perceived  U  fome  dif- 


/•' 


*. . 


\ 


•Rncc.     r  was  ftlH  encouraged  to  hope  by  the  aImoftnliracuIoii5 
piefcrvation  I  ha^ci  aheacly  experienced. 

Nor  were  iny  hopes  In  vain,  or  the  efforts  Imadeineffetlit.il. 
Suffice  it  to  fay,  that  1  reached  the  weod;  but  by  the  time  I 
had  penetrated  a  Httle  way  into  It,  my  breath  was  fo  exhaiiflied 
that  1  threw  myfelf  into  a  brake,  and  lay  for  fomc  minute?;  ap- 
parently at  the  lafl;  gafp.  At  length  I  recovered  the  power  of 
lefpiration;  but  my  apprehenfions  returned  with  all  their  former 
fofce,  when  I  faw  feveral  favages  pafs  by,  probably  in  purfuit 
of 'me,  at  no  very  great  diftancc.  in  this  fituarion  1  knew  not 
whether  it  was  better  to  proceed,  or  endeavour  to  concenl  my- 
felf where  I  lay,  till  night  came  on;  fc.iring,  howevu^,  that  they 
would  return  the  fame  way,  I  thought  it  molt  prudent  to  get 
farther  from  the  dreadful  fcene  of  my  part  diltrelfcs.  Accord- 
ingly, ftriking  into  another  part  of  the  wood,  I  hailcned  on  as 
fail  as  the  briars  and  the  iofs  of  one  of  my  Ihoes  would  permit 
jne;  and  after  a  How  progrefs  of  fome  hours,  gained  a  hill 
that  overlooked  the  plain  which  I  had  juft  left,  frrm  whence  I 
could  Hifcern  that  the  bloody  ftorm  Hi! I  raged  with  unabated 
fury. 

But  not  to  tire  my  readers,  I  iTialf  only  add,  that  after  paf- 
fuf;  three  days  without  fubfiftence,  and  enduring-the  feverity  of 
the  cold  dews  for  three  nights,  I  at  length  reached  Fort  Edward  i 
where  with  proper  care  my  body  foon  recovered  its  wonted 
ftrength,  and  my  mind,  as  far  as  the  recollertion  of  the  late  me- 
lancholy events  would  permit,  its  ufual  compoiuie. 

.It  was  computed  that  fifteen  hundred  perfons  were  killed  or 
made  prifoners  by  thefe  lavages  during  this  fatal  day.  Many 
^f  the  latter  were  carried  off  by  them  and  never  returned.  A 
few,  through  favoura|>le  accidents,  found  their  way  back  to 
their  native  country,. ifter  having  experienced  a  long  and  fevere 
captivity.        ,>.  ^  >*.%  v^j*j;-..^        ...V 

The  brave  Colonel  Monro  had  haftened  away,  foon  after  the 
confufion  began,  to  the  Frerich  camp  to  endeavour  to  procure 
the  guard  agreed  by  the  llipulation;  but  his  application  proving 
ineifeftual,  he  remained  there  till  General  Webb  fent  a  party  of 
troops  to  demand  and  proted;  him  back  to  Fort  Edward.  But 
thefe  unhappy  occurrences,  which  wou'd  probably  have  been 
prevented,  had  he  been  left  to  purfue  his  own  plans,  together 
wijth  the  Iofs  of  fomany  brave  fellows,  murdered  in  cold  blood, 
•  to  wliofe  valour  he'  had  been  fq  lately  a  wltnefs,  made  fuch  an 
iniprelfion  on  hiVmind,  that  he  did  not  long  furvive.  He  died 
in  about  three  months  of  a  broken  heart,  and  with  truth- might 
it  be  faid,  that  he  was  an  honour  to  his  country. 

I  mean  not  to  point  out  the  following  circumilance  as  the  im- 
mediate judgment  of  heaven,  and  intended  as  an  atonement  for 
this  Daughter;  but  1  cannot  omit  that  very  few  of  thole  diffe- 
rent tribes  of  Indians  that  fliared  in  it  ever  lived  to  return  honfe. 
The  fraall-pox,  by  means  of  their  communication  with  the  Eu- 
rope^^s,  tpund  its  way  among  tlicm,  and  made  an  evjualhavoclc^ 


'*^mK^:. 


f^- 


^'. 


r  137  1 

ad  what  they  theirtfelves  had  done.  The  methods  they  piirfuet^ 
on  the  firft  attack  of  that  malignant  diforder,  to  abate  the  fever 
attending  it,  rendered  it  fatal.  Whilft  their  blood  was  in  a  ftate 
of  fermentation,  and  nature  wals  driving  to  throw  out  the  pec- 
cant matter',  they  checked  her  bperations  by  plunging  into  the< 
water:  the  confequence  Wit  t^at  they  died  by  hundreds.  Thej 
few  that  furvived  were  transformed  by  it  into  h'id'eous  objefts^' 
afid  bore  with  them  to  the  grave  deep  indented  itfafks  of  this 
much-dreaded  difeafe. 

Monfieur  Mon^tcalm  fell  foon  aftei!  oti  the  plaiin's  of  (Juebec. 

That  the  unprovoked  cruelty  of  this  commanded  was  not  ap* 
proved  of  by  the  generality  of  his  countrymen,  I  have  fince  beerf 
convinced jpf  by  many  proofs.   One  only  however,  which  I  receiv- 
ed from  a  perfon  who  was  witnefs  to  it,  fhall  I  at  prefent  give, 
A  Canadian  merchant,  of  fom'e  confideration,  having  heard  of 
the  furrender  of  the  EnglilTi'  fort,  celebrated  the  fortunate  event 
vfith  great  rejoicings  and  hdfpitality,  aecolrding  to  the  cuftom 
of  that  county ;  butnof6oner  did  then'ews  of  themaffacrewhic!^,, 
cnfued  reach  his  ears,  than  he  ptit  afi  imm-ediate  l^op  to  the  fef- 
t' vity,  and  exclaimed  in  thef  fevereft  terms  againft  the  inhumart 
^iormiflion;  declaring  at  the  fame  time  that  thofe  who  had  con-« 
nived  at  it,  had  thereby  drawn  doWn,  on  that  part  ot  their 
king's  dominions  the  vengeance  of  Heaven.    To  this  he.a(|ipil» 
that  he  nftich  feared  the  total  lofs  of  them  would  defervedlyMSi 
the  cohfequente.    ifow  truly  this  prediftion  has  bisen  V^j" 
we  all  knbw. 

But  to  return— TK*ough  the  Indians" are  negligent  in  guarding* 
againft  furprizes,  they  are  alert  and  dextrous  in  furprizing  their 
enemies.  To  their  cautfon  and,  perfeverance  and  dealing  on 
the  ptrty  they  defignto  attack,  they  add  that  admirable  talent; 
or  rather  Inftinftive  qualification,  I  have  already  defcribed,  of 
tracing  out  thofe  they  are  in  purfuit  of.  6n  the  fmobthefl: 
grafs,  on  the  hardeft  earth,  and  even  on  the  very  ftbhes,  will 
they  difcover  the  traces  of  an  enemy,  and  by  the  fhap^  bf  ther 
foot  fteps,  and"  the  diftance  between  the  prints,  diftfngullh  not^ 
only  whether  it  is  a  dan  b"r  woman  who  has  palled  that  way>  but,,,, 
even  the  nation  to  which'  they  belbng.  However  incredible  1 
this  might  appear,  yet,  from  the  many  proofs  I  reteiv^d  whilll 
among  them  of  their  amazing  fagacity  in  this  point,  I  fee  no 
reafon  to  difcredit  even  thefe  extraordinar/exertions  bf  it.        # 

When'  they  have  overcome  an  enemy,  and  viftory  is  no  loit-^" 
ger  doubtful,  the  conquerors  firft  difpatch  all  fuch  as  they  think 
they  fliall  not  be  able  Co  carry  off  without  great  troubley  anct 
then  endeavour  to  take  as  many  prifoners  as  poffible;  after  this 
they  return  to  fcalp  thofe  who"  ate  either  dead,  or  too  mucii 
wounded  to  be  taken  with  them. 

At  this  bufinefs  they  are  exceedingly  expert.  They  feize  the 
head  of  the  difabled  pr  dead  enemy,  and  placing  one  of  their 
ffiet  on  the  neck,  twift  their  left  hand  in  the  hair;  by  thismeans^ 
ftiving  extended  the  sKin  that  covers  the  top  of  the  head,-  they 

§  draw 


f> 


>." 


'^- 


# 


-  f,'; 


J/ 


t    »38    1 


draw  out  their  fcalping  knives,  which  are  always  kept  in  good^ 
order  for  this  cruel  purpofe,  and  with  a  few  dextrous  ftrokes 
take  ofF  the  part  that  is  termed  the  fcalp.  They  are  fo  exj  ;.- 
ditious  in  doing  this,  that  the  whole  time  required  fcarcely  ex- 
ceeds a  minute.  Thefe  they  preferve  as  monuments  of  their 
prowefs,  and  at  the  fame  time  as  proo-fs  pf  the  vengeance  they 
have  inflifted  on  their  enemies. 

If  two  Indians  feize  in  the  fame  inftant  a  prifoner,  and  feem 
to  have  an  equal  claim,  the  contefl;  between  them  is  foon  de- 
cided; for  to  put  a  fpcedy  end  to  any  difpute  that  might  arife, 
the  perfon  that  is  apprehen/ive  he  fhall  lofe  his  expefted  re- 
ward, immediately  has  recourfe  to  his  tomahawk  or  war-club^ 
and  knocks  on  the  head  the  unhappy  caufe  of  their  contention. 

Having  compleated  their  purpofes,  a|i4made  as  much  havock 
as  poflible,  they  immediately  retire  tow^ds  their  own  country, 
with  the  fpoil  they  have  acquired,  for  ffilr  of  being  purfued. 

Should  this  be  the  cafe,  they  make  ufe  of  many  ftratagems  to 
elude  the  fearches  of  their  purfuers.  They  fometimes  fcatter 
leaves,  fand,  or  duft  over  the  prints  of  their  feet ;  fometimes 
tread  in  each  others  footftcps ;  and  fometimes  lift  their  feet  fo 
high,  and  tread  fo  lightly,  as  not  to  make  any  impreflion  on  the 
ground.  But  if  they  find  all  thefe  precautions  unavailing,  ind 
that  they  are  near  being  overtaken,  they  firft  difpatch  and  fcalp 
their  ptifonersy  and  then  dividing,  each  endeavours  to  regain 
his  native  country  by  a  different  route.  This  prevents  all  far- 
ther purfuitj  for  their  purfuers  now  defpairing,  either  of  gra- 
tifying their  revenge,  or  of  releafing,  thofe  of  their  friends  who 
were  made  captives,  return  home. 

If  the  fuccefsful  party  is  fo  lucky  as  to  make  good  their  re- 
treat unmoleftedj  they  hafteii  with  the  greateft  expedition  to 
reach  a  country  where  they  may  be  perfeftly  fecure;  ^nd  that 
their  wounded  companions  may  not  retard  their  flight,  they  car- 
ry them  by  turns  in  litters,  or  if  it  is  in  the  winter  feafon  draw 
them  on  fledges. 

Their  litters  are  made  iira  rude  manner  of  the  branches  of 
trees.  Their  fledges  confift  of  two  fmall  thin  boards,  about  a 
foot  wide  when  joined,  and  near  fix  feet  long.  The  fo^e-part 
is  turned  up,  and  the  fides  are  bordered  with  fmall  Isands. 
The  Indians  draw  thefe  carriages  with  great  eafe,  be  they  ever 
fo  much  loaded,  by  means  of  a  firing  which  paflTes  round  the 
breafl:.  This  collar  is  called  a  Metump,  and  is  in  ufe  through- 
out America,  both  in  the  fettlements  and  the  internal  parts. 
Thofe  ufed  in  the  latter  are  made  of  leather,  and  very  curioufly 
wrought.  .  ,  ."•  *^.'  'i^4.*  ' 

The  prl-foners  during  their  march  are  guarded  with  the  great- 
eft  care.  During  the  day,  if  the  journey  is  over  land,  they  are 
always  held  by  fome  of  the  viftorious  party  ,•  if  by  water^  they 
are' fattened  to  the  canoe.  In  the  night-time  th^y  are  ftretched 
along  the  ground  quite  naked,  with  their  legs,  arms,  and  neck 
faflened  to  ho^ks  fixed  in  the  ground.     £efides  this,  cords  are 

tied 


'S^i, 


•^^ 


.;,•> 


t    139    1 

tied  to  tlielr  arms  or  legs,  which  are  held  by  an  Indian,  who  in- 
ftantly  awakes  at  the  lead  motion  of  them. 

Notwithftanding  fiich  precautions  are  ufually  taken  by  the 
Indians,  it  is  recorded  in  the  annals  of  New  England,  that  one 
of  the  weaker  fex,  almoft  alone,  and  unafllfted,  found  njeans  to 
elude  the  vigilance  of  a  party  of  warriors,  and  not  only  to 
make  her  efcape  from  them,  but  to  revenge  the  caufe  of  her 
<:ountrymen. 

Some  years  ago,  a  fmall  band  of  Canadian  Indians,  confifl- 
ing  of  ten  warriors  attended  by  two  of  their  wives,  made  an 
Irruption  into  the  back  fettlements  of  New  England.  They 
lurked  for  fome  time  in  the  vicinity  of  one  of  the  moll  exterior 
towns,  and  at  length,  after  having  killed  and  fcalped  feveral 
people,  found  means  to  take  prifoner  a  woman  who  had  with 
her  a  fon  of  about  tw^clvc  years  of  age.  Being  fatisfied  with 
the  execution  they  had  done,  tliey  retreated  towards  their  na- 
tive country,  which  lay  at  t^ree  hundred  miles  diftance,  and 
carried  off  with  them  their  two  captives. 

The  fecond  night  of  their  retreat,  the  woman,  whofe  name, 
if  I  n^iftake  not,  was  Rowe,  formed  a  refolution  worthy  of  the 
in^ft  intrepid  heroe.  She  thought  fhe  fliould  be  able  to  get 
fifom  her  hands  the  manacles  by  which  they  were  confined,  and 
determined  if  fhe  did  fo  to  make  a  defperate  effort  for  the 
recovery  of  her  freedom.  To  this  purpofe,  when  flie  conclud- 
ed that  her  conquerors  were  in  their  foundeft  lleep,  ihe.  ftrove 
to  flip  the  cords  from  her  hands.  In  this  Ihe  fucceeded';  and 
cautioning  her  fon,  whom  they  had  fuffered  to  go  unbound,  ip 
a  whifper,  againft  being  furprized  at  what  fhe  was  about  to  do, 
ihe  removed  to  a  diftance  with  great  warinefs  the  defenfivctrea- 
pons  df  the  Indians,  which  lay  by  their  fides.  ■^- 

Having  done  this,  fhe  put  one  of  the  tomahawks  into  the 
hands  of  the  boy,  bidding  him  to  follow  her  example;  and  tajk-, 
ing  another  herfelf,  fell  upon  the  fleeping  Indians,,  feveral  of 
whom  ihe  inftantly  difpatched.  But  her  attempt  was  nearly 
fruftrated  by  the  imbecility  of  her  fon,  who  wanting  both  ftrength 
and  refolution,  made  a  feeble  ftroke  at  one  of  them,  which  on* 
ly  ferved  to  awaken  him,*  fhe  however  fprung  at  the  rifing  war- 
rior, and  before  he  could  recover  his  arms,  made  hinV  fink  un- 
der the  weight  of  her  tomahawk ;  and  this  fhe  alternately  did 
to  all  the  reft,  except  one  of  the  women,  who  awoke  in  time, 
and  made  her  efcape. 

The  heroine  then  toojc  off  the  fcalps  of  her  vanquilhed  efie^ 
mies,  and  feizing'alfo  thofe  they  were  carrying  away  with  then! 
as  proofs  of  their  fuccefs,  fhe  returned  in  triumph  to  the  town 
from  whence  flie  had  fo  lately  been  dragged,  to  the  great  afto- 
nifhnient  of  her  neighbours,  who  could  fcarcely  credit  their 
fenfe^s  or  the  teftimonie3  #e  bore  of  her  amaxomai^  Iptr^pi* 


dity. 


^^i*,.i^;^r  tv'. . 


During  their  march  they  oblige  their  prlfoftets  to^^rfhg  thfir 
death-fong,  which  generally  confifts  of  thefc  or-fifjiUr  fen* 

•  tences; 


*,• 


-\ 


•»-■  \ 


nu*  V"' 


''  »■ 


•«. 


(    HO    ] 

rices:  ^<  I  am  going  ^o  die,  Iain  about  to  fu^en  but  I 
will  bear  the  fevered  tortures  my  enemies  can  infli£l,  witji 
^^  becoming  fortitude.  I  will  die  like  a  brave  man,  and  I  {Tiali 
^*  then  go  to  join  the  chiefs  that  have  fufFered  on  the  fame  ac- 
•*  count."  Thefe  fongs  are  continued  with  necelTary  intervals, 
until  they  reach  the  village  or  camp  to  which  they  are  going. 

When  the  warriors  ^jre  arrived  withip  hearing,  they  fet  up 
different  cries,  which  communicates  to  their  friend^  a  genera) 
biflory  of  the  fuccefs  of  the  expedition.  The  number  of  the 
death-cries  .they  give,  declares  how  ma^y  of  their  own  party 
are  Jofl; ;  the  nujnber  of  yr^jr-hoops,  the  number  of  prifoners 
they  have  takep. 

lit  is  di^icult  to  defcribe  thefe  cries,  but  the  befl  idea  I  can 
iconvey  pf  them  is,  that  the  former  confifts  of  the  found  Whoo, 
'  Whpo,  Whoop,  which  is  continued  in  a  long  ihrill  tone,  near- 
ly till  the  breath  is  exhaufted,  ^nd  then  j^roken  off  with  a  fud- 
pen  elevation  of  the  voice.  Jhe  latter  of  ^  loud  pry,  pf  much 
the  fame  kind,  which  is  modulaped  into  notes  by  the  hand  be- 
ing pla^^^d  l^efore  the  mouth.  Poth  of  them  might  be  hear4  to 
a  very  cpnficjerable  4i"ance. 

Wttiift  ^efe  are  uttering,  the  perfons  to  whom  they  are  de- 
figned  to  convey  the  intellegencQ,  continue  motionlefs  and  all 
attention.  When  this  ceremony  is  performed,  the  whole  village 
ilTue  out  to  learn  the  particulars  of  the  relation  they  have  juf| 
lieard  in  general  terms,  and  according  as  the  news  prove  mourn- 
ful or  t|ie  pontrary,  they  anfwer  by  fo  many  acclamatiops  o( 
(Cries  of  laiDeQtatifJBf 

Being  by  this  time  arriye(]  at  the  village  or  camp,  tjie  women 
and  childrep  ajrgi  theijifelves  with  flicks  and  bludgeons,  and 
form  themfelves  iiitp  two  ranks,  through  which  the  prifoners 
ar?  obliged  to  pafs,  The  treatment  they  undergo  before  they 
reach  the  extremity  of  the  line,  is  very  fevere.  Sometimes 
^hey  are  (p  beaten  over  the  head  and  face,  as  to  have  fcarcejy 
arny  remains  of  life ;  and  happy  would  it  be  for  them  if  by  thisi 
ufage  an  ^nd  \y^s  put  to  their  wretched  beings.  But  their 
tormentprs  take  c^re  that  none  of  the  blows  they  give  prpve; 
mortal,  as  they  wiifh  {o  referve  ^he  uniferable  fuffcrejs  fpr  piore 
feverej  infliftions. 

After  having  undergone  this  introduflory  difcipline,  they  are 
]bpund  fiaiid  and  foot,  whilfl  the  chiefs  hold  a  council,  in  which 
their  fate  is  determined.  Thofe  who  are  decreed  to  be  put  tp 
death  by  the  ufual  torments,  aje  delivered  to  the  chief  pf  the 
warriors;,  fuch  as  are  to' be  fpared,  are  given  into  the  hands 
pf  the  chief  of  the  nation :  fo  that  in  a  fhprt  time  all  the  pri- 
fonei-s  may  be  afTured  of  their  fatej  as  the  fentence  now  pro- 
nounced is  irrevocable.  The  former  they  term  being  configned 
to  the  houfe  of  death,  the  latter  to  the  houfe  of  grace.    • 

Such  captives  as  are  pretty  far  advanced  in  life,  andj  have 
■"W  acquired  great  honour  by  their  war-like  deeds,  always  atone 
ipi*  the  bioo4  they  have  fpilt,  by  the  tortures  of  tire.    *rheir 

'  luccefS 


%^ 


Ciicceft  in  var  1$  readily  known  by  the  Viae  marks  upon  their 
breafts  an4  arms,  which  are  as  legible  to  the  Indians  as  lettetl 
arc  to  Europeans. 

The  manner  in  which  thefe  hieroglyphicks  are  made,  is  by 
breaking  the  skin  with  the  teeth  of  rilTi,  or  Iharpened  flints, 
dipped  in  a  kind  of  ink  made  of  the  foot  of  pitch  pine.  Like 
thofe  of  the  ancient  Pifts  of  Britain  thefe  are  efteemcd  ornar 
]7)ental;  and  at  the  fame  time  they  (brve  as  regiflers  of  the  he- 
roic adlions  of  the  warrior,  who  thus  hears  about  him  indeli- 
ble  marks  of  his  valour. 

The  prifoners  deftined  tp  death  are  foon  led  to  the  place  of 
execution,  which  is  generally  in  the  cpntre  of  the  camp  or  vil- 
lage; where,  being  ifript,  and  every  part  of  their  bodies  black- 
ened, the  skin  of  a  prow  or  raven  is  fixed  on  their  heads. 
They  are  tjfjen  bound  to  a  ftake,  witji  faggqts  heaped  around 
them,  and  obliged,  for  the  lail  tiine,  to  fing  their  death-fong. 

The  warriors,  for  fuel?  it  is  only  whp  commonly  fuffer  this 
punilTiment,  now  perform  in  a  more  prolix  manner  this  fad  fo- 
lemnity.  They  recount  with  an  audible  voice  all  the  brave  ani- 
ons they  have  performed,  and  pride  themfelves  in  (he  number 
ot  enen)ies  they  have  killed.  In  this  rehearfsl  they  fpare  not 
even  their  (ormentors,  but  drive  by  every  provoking  tale  they 
can  invent,  to  irritate  and  infult  them.  Sometimes  this  has  the 
defired  efFedl,  gnd  the  fufFerers  are  dilpatcl^ed  fponer  than  they 
otberwife  would  have  been. 

There  are  njany  other  ii^ethpds  which  ihq  Indians  makp  ufo 
of  to  put  their  prifoners  to  death,  bu|;  Hiefg  ^re  only  QCca^ 
iional;  that  of  burning  is  moA  generally  i^fc{i. 
.  Whilft  I  was  at  the  chief  town  of  the  Ottagaumics,  an  Illi- 
nois Indian  was  brought  in,  who  had  been  made  priConer  by 
one  of  their  war  parties.  I  had  then  an  opportunity  of  feeing 
the  cuftomary  cruelties  inflidted  by  thefe  people  on  their  cap- 
tives, through  the  minuted  part  of  their  procefs.  After  the 
previous  deps  necelTary  to  his  condemnation,  he  was  carried. 
early  in  the  morning,  to  a  little  di^ance  froqi  the  town,  where 
Ije  was  bound  to  a  tree. 

Thig  being  done,  all  the  bqys,  whp  amounted  to  a  great  num- 
ber, as  the  place  was  populous,  were  permitted  to  amufe  them- 
felves with  ihopting  their  arrows  at  the  unhappy  \n6tm.  As 
they  were  hone  of  them  more  than  twelve  years  old,  and  were 
placed  at  a  confiderable  didance,  they  had  not  drepgth  to  pe- 
netrate to  the  vital  parts,  fpthat  the  poor  wrench  dood  pierced 
with  arrows,  and  fuffsring  the  confequent  agonies,  .for  more 
than  two  days. 

During  this  time  he  fung  his  warlike  exploits.  He  recapitu- 
lated every  dratagem  he  had  made  ufe  of  to  furprize  his  ene- 
mies: he  boaded  of  the  quantity  of  fcalps  he  poiFeifed,  and  enu- 
merated the  prifoners  he  had  taken.  He  then  defcribed  the  dif- 
ferent barbarous  methods  by  which  he  had  pu(  the  latter  to 


^. 


>'*' 


if^-iSJrw 


..W|~f; 


4  [    I4«    1 

^wtb,  and  fecmcd  even  then  to  receive  inconceivable  plcafurer 
*4"  from  the  recital  of  the  horrid  tale. 

',  But  he  dwelt  more  particularly  on  the  cruelties  he  had  prac- 
tifcd  on  fuch  of  the  kindred  of  his  prefent  tormentors,  as  had 
fallen  into  his  hands ;  endeavouring  by  thefe  aggravated  infults 
to  Induce  them  to  increafehis  tortures,  that  he  might  be  able  to 
give  greater  proofs  of  fortitude.  Even  in  the  laft  ttruggles  of 
life,  when  he  was  no  longer  able  to  vent  in  words  the  indig- 
nant provocation  his  tongue  would  have  uttered,  a  fmile  o|^ 
iningled  fcorn  and  triumph  fat  on  his  countenance.  , 

This  method  of  tormenting  their  enen\ies  is  confidered  by  the 
Indfins  as  produftive  of  more  than  one  beneficial  confequence. 
|t  fatiates,  in  a  greater  degree,  that  diabolical  tuft  of  revenge, 
which  is  the  predominant  paflion  in  the  breaft  of  every  indivi- 
«lual  of  every  tribe,  and  it  gives  the  growing  warriors  an  early 
propenlily  to  that  cruelty  and  thirft  for  blood,  which  is  fo  ne- 
ceffary  a  qualification  fpr  fuch  as  would  be  thoroughly  skilled 
in  their  favage  art  of  war. 

I  have  been  informed,  that  an  Indian  who  was  under  the 
hands  of  his  tormentors,  had  the  audacity  to  tell  them,  that 
they  were  ignorant  old  woman,  and  did  not  know  hov  to  put 
brave  prifoners  to  deatlL  He  acquainted  thetn  that  he  had 
heretol^ore  taken  fome  of  their  warriors,  and  inftead  of  the  tri- 
vial punilliments  they  infli^e,d  on  him,  he  had  devifed  for  them 
the  moft  excruciating  torments ;  that  having  bound  them  to  a 
ftake,  he  had  ftuck  their  bodies  full  of  iharp  fplinters  of  tur- 
pentine wood,  to  which  he  then  fet  fire,  and  dancing  aroun4 
khcra  enjoyed  the  agoni2ing  pangs  of  the  flaming  viftims. 

This  bravado^  which  carried  with  it  a  degree  ot  infult,  that 
even  the  accuftomed  ear  of  an  Indian  could  not  liften  to  un- 
moved, threw  his  tormentors  ofF  their  guard,  and  lhortene4 
the  duration  of  his  torments ;  for  one  of  the  chiefs  ran  to  him, 
and  ripping  out  his  heart,  flopped  with  it  the  mouth  from  which 
had  iflued  fuch  provoking  language. 

Innumerable  are  the  ftories  that  may  be  told  of  the  courage 
and  refolution  of  the  Indians,  who  happen  to  be  made  prifo- 
ners by  their  adverfaries.  Many  that  I  have  heard  are  fo  a- 
flonifhing,  that  they  feem  to  exceed  the  utmoft  limits  of  credi- 
bility; it  is,  however,  certain  that  thefe  favages  are  polTelTed 
%vith  many  heroic  qualities,  and  bear  every  fpecies  of  misfor- 
tune with  a  degree  of  fortitude  which  has  not  been  outdone  by 
any  of  the  ancient  Ijeroes  of  eitlier  of  Greece  or  Rome. 

Notwithftanding  thefe  ads  of  feverity  exercifed  by  the  In-r 
rfians  towards  thofe  of  t|ieir  own  fpecies,  who  fall  into  theif 
hands,  fome  tribes  of  them  have  been  remarked  for  their  mo- 
deration to  fuch  female  prifoners,  belonging  to  the  Englifli  co- 
lonies as  have  happened  to  be  taken  by  them.  Women  of  great 
beauty  have  frequently  been  carried  ofF  by  them,  and  during  a 
march  of  three  or  four  hundred  miles,  through  their  retired  fO" 
wfts,  have  hin  by  their  fides  without  receiving  any  infuit,  and 

tbeif 


"sr- 


tr 


.  It 


[    U3    ] 

their  chaftlty  has  remained  inviolate.  Inflances  have  happened 
where  female  captives,  who  have  been  pregnant  at  the  time  of 
their  being  taken,  have  found  the  pangs  of  child-birth  come 
upon  them  In  the  mldft  of  folitary  woods,  and  fa^ages  their  <»n- 
ly  companions ;  yet  from  thefe,  favages  as  they  were,  hava 
they  received  every  afliftance  their  fitiiation  would  admit  of, 
and  been  treated  with  a  degree  of  delicacy  and  humanity  they 
little  expefted. 

'This  forbearance^  itmuft  be  acknowledged  dee?  not  proceect 
altogether  from  their  difpofitions,  but  Is  only  inlierent  in  thoftf 
who  have  held  fome  communication  with  the  French  mifliopa- 
yies.  Without  intending  that  their  natural  enemies,  the  Eng- 
llfli,  fliould  enjoy  the  benefit  of  their  labours,  thcfe  fathers  have 
taken  great  pains  to  inculcate  on  the  minds  of  the  Indians  the 
general  principles  of  humanity,  which  has  difFufeditfelf  througli 
their  manners,  and  has  proved  of  public  utility.  ^ 

Thofe  prlfoners  that  are  confignedto  the  houfe  of  grace,  an^ 
fchefe  are  commonly  the  young  men,  women  and  children,  await 
the  difpofal  of  the  chiefs,  who,  after  the  execution  of  fuch  a# 
are  condemned  to  die,  hold  a  council  for  this  purpofe. 

A  herald  is  fent  round  the  village  or  camp,  to  give  noticed 
that  fuch  as  have  loft  any  relation  in  the  late  expedition,  are  de-  ^ 
fired  to  attend  the  diftribution  which  is  about  to  take  place. ' 
Thofe  women  who  have  loft  their  fbns  or  huibands,  are  t,    e- 
rally  fatisfiedin  the  firft  place;  after  thefe,  fuch  as  have  bee 
deprived  of  friends  of  a  more  remote  degree  of  confanguiuity,? 
or  who  choofe  to  adopt  fome  of  the  youth. 

The  divifion  being  made,  which  is  done,  as  In  other  cafes^ 
without  the  leaft  difpute,  thofe  who  have  received  any  ftiare 
lead  them  to  their  tents  or  huts ;  and  having  unbound  them, 
wafh  and  drefs  their  wounds  if  they  happen  to  have  received 
any ;  they  then  cloath  them,  and  give  them  the  moft  comfore- 
able  and  refrefhing  food  their  ftore  will  afford.  ' 

Whilft  their  new  domefticks  are  feeding,   they  endeavour  to 
adminifter  confolation  to  them;  they  tell  them  that  as  ihey  aror 
redeemed  from  death,  they  muft  now  be  cheerful  and  happy; 
and  if  they  ferve  them  well,  without  murmuring  or  repining,  no-' 
t^ing  fliall  be  wanting  to  make  them  fuch  atonement  for  thelofs  i 
of  their  country  and  friends  as  circumftances  will  allow  of.   V^^^ 
If  any  men  are  fpared,  they  are  commonly  given  to  the  vi/T-  ■ 
dows  that  have  loft  their  hufbands  by  the  hand  of  the  ciienivv 
ihould  there  be  any  fuch,  to  whom,  if  they  happen  to  provo^ 
agreeable,  they  are  foon  married.  But  (hould  the  damebe  othcr-'i 
wife  engaged,  the  life  of  him  who  falls  to  her   lot  is  in  great 
danger ;-  efpecially  if  Ihe  fancies  that  her  late  hu&and  wants  a 
flave  in  the  country  of  fpirits,  to  which  he  is  g^one. 

When  this  is  the  cafe,  a  number  of  young  men -take  the  de- 
voted captive  to  lomc  diftance,  and   difpatch  him  without  atij^i;' 
eeremony;  after  he  has  been  fpared  by  the  counci',^^y  cou- 

^„iidei'- 


'■**' 


.■|r  ,*"?*' 


Il 


-    •  -••:    J...  •»"-■▼—■ 


•f^ 


r  144  1       • 

flder  him  of  loo  little  confequence  to  be  entitled  to  the  tormenf# 
allotted  to  thofe  who  have  been  judged  worthy  of  them. 

The  women  are  ufually  diftribiitcd  to  the  men,  from  whom 
they  do  not  faH  of  meeting  with  a  favourable  reception.  The 
boys  and  girls  are  taken  into  the  familfes  of  fuch  as  have  need 
^  of  them,  and  are  confidcred  as  flaves ;  and  it  is  not  uncommon 
J  jhat  they  are  fold  in  the  fame  capacity  to  the  European  traders, 
^ho  come  among  them.  , 

i|K,The  Indians  have  no  idea  of  moderating  the  ravage^r  of  war, 
vy  fparing  their  ftrifoncrs,  and  entering  into  a  negotiation  witit 
the  band  from  whom  they  have  been  taken,  for  an  exchange. 
•  Ail  that  are  captivated  by  both  parties,  arc  either  put  to  death, 
irdopted,'  or  made  flaves  of.  And  fo  particular  are  every  na- 
tion in  this  refpeft,  that  if  any  of  their  tribe,  even  a  warrior, 
Olould  be  taken  prifoner,  and  by  chance  be  received  into  the 
.  houfe  of  grace,  either  as  an  adopted  per f on  or  a  flave,  and 
ihould  afterwards  make  his  efcape,  they  will  bynomeansreceivc 
bim,  or  acknowledge  him  as  one  of  their  band. 

The  condition  of  fach  as  are  adopted  differs  not  in  any  one 
inftance  from  the  children  of  the  nation  to  which  they  now  be- 
long. They  affume  all  the  rights  of  thofe  whofe  places  they 
fuppl/r  and  frequently  make  no  difficulty  of  going  in  the  war- 
partie^  ajfui-nft  theif  own  countrymen',  Shouki,  however,  any 
of  /riefe  by  chance  make  their  efcape,  and  be  afterwards  rc- 
t'A&Qn,  they  are  efteemed  as  unnatural  children  and  ungrateful 
perfons,  who  have  deferted  and  made  war  upon  their  parents 
and  benetaftors,  and  are  treated  with  uncommon  feverity. 

That  part  of  the  prifoners  which  are  confidered  as  flaves, 
are  generally  diftributed  among  the  chiefs ;  who  frequently  make 
prefents  of  fbme  of  them  to  the  European  governors  of  the  out- 
pofls,  or  to  the  fuperintendants  or  commiffaries  of  Indian-af 
fairs.  I  have  been  informed  that  it  was  the  Jefuits  and  F/ench' 
miffionaries  that  firft  occafioned  the  introdudlion  of  thefe  un- 
happy captives  into  the  fettlements,  and  who  by  fo  doing 
laught  the  Indians  that  they  were  valuable. 

Their  views  indeed  were  laudable,  as  they  imagined  that  by 
this  method  they  fTiouId  not  only  prevent  much  barbarity  and 
Uoodfhed,  but  find  the  opportunities  of  fpreading  their  religi- 
on among  them  increaied.  To  this  purpofe  they  encouraged 
the  traders  to  purchafe  fuch  flaves  as  they  met  with.  «< 

The  good  effects  of  this  mode  of  proceeding  was  not  how- 
ever equal  to  the  expeftations  of  thefe  pious  fathers.  Inftead 
of  being  the  means  of  preventing  cruelty  and  bloodlheiC  i^ 
only  caufed  the  diflenfions  between  the  Indian*  nations  t*  be 
carried  on  with  a  greater  degree  of  violence,  and  with  unre- 
mitted ardour.  The  prize  they  fought  for  being  no  longer  re- 
venge or  fame,  but  the  acquirement  of  fpirituous  liquors,  for 
v^hich  their  captives  were  to  be  exchanged,  and  of  which  al- 
J^fl  every  nation  is  immoderately  fond,  they  fought  for  their 

enemies 


*t 


C     '45    1 

enemies  with  unwonted  alacrity,  and  were  cjonftantly  on  tho 
watch  to  furprize  and  carry  them  off. 

It  might  Hill  be  faid  that  fewer  of  the  captives  arc  tormented 
*  and  put  to  death,  fincc  thefe  expeftations  of  receiving  fo  va- 
,t  able  a  confideration  for  them  have  been  excited  than  there 
ufually  had  been;  but  it  does  not  appear  that  their  aecuftomed 
cruelty  to  the  warriors  they  take,  is  in  the  lead  abated;  their 
natural  defirc  of  vengeance  muft  be  gratified;  they  now  only 
become  more  afllduous  in  fccuring  a  greater  number  of  young 
prifoners,  whilrt  thofc  who  arc  made  captive  in  their  defence 
are  tormented  and  put  to  death  as  before. 

The  miflionarlcs  finding  that  contrary  to  their  wiflics  their 
zeal  had  only  Curved  to  increafe  the  fale  of  the  noxious  juices,, 
applied  to  the  Governor  of  Canada,  in  the  year  1693,  for  a 
prohibition  of  this  baneful  trade.  An  order  was  iflued  accord- 
ingly, but  it  could  not  put  a  total  flop  to  it;  the  French  Cou- 
riers dc  Bois  were  hardy  enough  to  carry  it  on  clandeftinely, 
notwithftanding  the  penalty  annexed  to  a  breach  of  the  prohi- 
bition was  a  confiderable  fine  and  imprifonment. 

Some  who  were  detefted  in  the  profecution  of  it  withdrew  '' 
into  the  Indian  countries,  where  they  intermarried  with  the  na-  ' 
tlves,  and  underwent  a  voluntary  banilTiment.  Thefe,  however, 
being  an  abandoned  and  debauched  fet,  their  coudu6l  contri-     ^ 
buted  very  little  either  towards  reforming  the  manners  of  their 
new  relations,  or  engaging  them  to  entertain  a  favourable  opi- 
nionofthe  religion  they  profeflTed.     Thus  did  thefe  indefati« 
gable  religious  men  fee  their  defigns  in  feme  meafure  oncemorc 
i'ruftrated. 

However,  the  emigration  was  produftive  of  an  elFe6l  which 
turned  out  "to  be  beneficial  to  their  nation.  By  the  connexion 
of  thcfc  refugees  with  the  Iroquois,  MiflifTjages,  Hurons,  Mia- 
inics,  Powtowottomies,  Puants,  Menomonies,  Algonkins,  &c. 
and  the  conftant  rcprefentations  thefe  various  nations  received 
from  ihcm  of  the  power  and  grandeur  of  the  French,  to  the  ag- 
grandizement of  whofe  monarch,  notwithftanding  their  banilTi- 
ment,  they  ftill  retained  their  habitual  inclination,  the  Indians 
became  inlenfibly  prejudiced  in  favour  of  that  people,  and  I  am 
pcrfuaded  will  take  every  opportunity  of  llicwing  their  attach- 
ment to  them.  '^f^" 

And  this,  even  in  dcfpite  of  the  difgraceful  cftimation  they 
miirt  be  held  by  them,  fince  they  have  been  driven  out  of  Ca- 
nada; for  the  Indians  confidcr  every  conquered  people  as  in  a 
ftate  of  valFalagc  to  their  cortquerors.  After  one  nation  has 
iJnally  fubdued  another,  and  a  conditional  fubmiflion  is  agreed 
(m,  it  is  ciiftomary  for  the  chiefs  of  the  conquered,  when  they 
/;»  la  council  with  their  fubducrs,  to   wear  petticoats,  as  ait       ' 

Ekno\v{ed;;c,;icnt  that  they  are  in  a  ftatc  of  fubjeflion,  and 
ol.ight  to  be  ranked  among  the  women.     Their  partiality  to  the  ' 
"frcnch  has  Jiov.'cver  taken  too  deep  root  for  time  itfelf  to  era- 
^':atc  it.  .,^.  ■...•..   .., 


■^ 


"r 


•^" 


i  **■ 


■I^H 

.  '.^t^- 

^m    'A- 

> 

►^ 

^^K 

-  ^5 

l« 

^K       '"'9* 

¥^'^. 

t     M5    1 


■*         4 


CHAPTER     X. 


0/  t/jeir  Manner  of  making  Peace,  c!^r« 


.  HE  wars  that  are  carn'ed  on  between  the  Indian  nations 
JL  are  in  general  hereditary,  and  continue  from  age  to  age 
with  a  few  interruptions.  If  a  peace  becomes  necclTary,  the 
principal  care  of  both  parties  is  to  avoid  the  appearance  of 
making  the  firft  advances. 

When  they  treat  with  an  enemy,  relative  to  a  fufpenfioa  of 
hoftilities,  the  chief  who  is  commiflloned  to  undertake  the  ne- 
gociation,  if  it  is  not  brought  about  by  the  mediation  of  fomc 
neighbouring  band,  abates  nothing  of  his  natural  haughtinefs: 
even  when  the  affairs  of  his  country  are  in  the  worft  fituation, 
he  makes  no  conceflions,  but  endeavours  to  perfuade  his  adver- 
farics  that  it  is  their  intereft  to  put  an  end  to  the  war. 

Accidents  fometimcs  contribute  to  bring  about  a  peace  be- 
tween nations  that  otherwife  could  not  be  prevailed  on  to  liflen 
to  terms  of  accommodation.  An  inftance  of  this,  which  I  heard 
of  in  ahnoft  every  nation  I  palTed  through,  I  fliall  relate. 

About  eighty  years  ago,  the  Iroquois  and  Chiptiways,  two 
powerful  nations,  were  at  war  with  the  Ottagaumies  and  Sau- 
kies,  who  were  much  inferior  to  their  advcrfarics  both  in  num- 
bers and  ftrength.  One  winter  near  a  thoufand  of  the  former 
made  an  excurfion  from  Lake  Ontario,  by  way  of  Toronto,  to- 
wards the  territories  of  their  enemies.  They  coafted  Lake  Hu- 
ron on  its  call  and  northern  borders,  till  they  arrived  at  the 
ifland  of  St.  Jofcph,  "h'hich  is  fituated  in  the  Straights  of  St, 
IMarie.  There  they  crofTed  thcfe  Straights  upon  tlie  ice  about 
fifteen  miles  belo\''  the  fulls,  and  continued  their  route  ftill  weft- 
ward.  As  the  ground  was  covered  with  fnow,  to  prevent  adif- 
covery  of  their  numbers,  they  marched  in  a  fmgle  tile,  treading 
in  each  others  Ibotil:cps. 

Four  Chipeway  Indians,  pafling  that  way,  obfcrved  this  army, 
and  readily  gucflcd  from  the  direction  of  their  march,  and  thej 
precautions  they  took,  both  the  country  to  which  they  wer 
jbaftening,  and  their  dcfigns. 

Notwithftanding  the  nation  to  which  they  belonged  was  a 
war  with  the  Ottagaumies,  and  in  alliance  with  their  invaders,| 
yet  from, a  principle  which  cannot  be  accounted  for,  they  tooli 
au  iuiluiit  iefulution  to  appri^y  the  foiuici:  of  their  danger. 


To  this  piirpofe  they  haftened  away  with  their  ufual  celerity, 
and,  taking  a  circuit  to  avoid  difcovery,  arrived  at  the  hunting 
grounds  of  the  Ottagaumies,  before  fo  large  a  body,  moving 
in  fo  cautious  a  manner,  could  de.  There  they  found  a  party 
of  about  four  hundred  warriors,  fomc  of  which  were  Saukies, 
whom  they  informed  of  the  approach  of  their  enemies. 

The  chiefs  immediately  collefted  their  whole  force,  and  held 
a  council  on  the  Heps  that  were  to  be  taken  for  their  defence." 
As  they  were  encumbered  with  their  families,  it  was  impoflible 
that  they  could  retreat  in  time,-  they  therefore  determined  to 
choofe  the  moft  advantageous  fpot,  and  to  give  the  Iroquois  the 
bed  reception  in  their  power- 
Not  far  from  the  place  where  they  then  happened  to  be,  ftooci 
two  fmail  lakes,  between  which  ran  a  narrow  neck  of  land  about 
a  mile  in  length,  and  only  from  twenty  to  forty  yard^n  breadth. 
Concluding  that  the  Iroquois  intended  to  Jiafs  through  this  de- 
file, the  united  bands  divided  their  little  party  into  two  bodies 
of  two  hundred  each.  One  of  thefe  took  port  at  the  extremity 
of  the  pafs  that  lay  nearslt  to  their  hunting  grounds,  which 
they  immediately  fortified  with  a  breaft-work  formed  of  pali- 
fades;  whilft  the  other  body  took  a  compafs  round  one  of  the 
lakes,  with  a  defign  to  hem  their  enemies  in  when  they  had  en- 
tered the  defile. 

Their  ftratagem  fuccecded;  for  no  fooner  had  the  whole  of 
the  Iroquois  entered  the  pafs,  than,  being  provided  with  wood 
for  the  purpofe,  they  formed  a  fimilar  breall-work  on  the  other 
extremity,  and  thus  enclofed  their  enemies. 

The  Iroquois  foon  perceived  their  fituatlon,  and  immediateljF 
held  a  council  on  the  meafures  that  were  neceflary  to  be  purfued 
to  extricate  thcmfelvcs.  Unluckily  for  them  a  thaw  had  juft 
taken  place,  which  had  fo  far  dilFolved  the  ice  as  to  render  it 
impaflibic,  and  yet  there  ftill  remained  fufficicnt  to  prevent  them 
from  either  palling  over  the  lakes  on  rafts,  or  from  fwimming 
acrofs.  In  this  dilemma  it  was  agreed  that  they  Ihould  endea-i- 
vour  to  force  one  of  the  bread- works,-  but  they  foon  found  them 
too  well  defended  to  effect  their  purpofe.  :  ? 

Notwithftanding  this  difappointment,  with  the  ufual  compo- 
fare  and  unapprchenfivenefs  of  Indians,  they  amufed  themfclvcs 
three  or  four  days  in  filhing.  By  this  time  the  ice  being  quite 
diflblved,  they  made  thcmfclves  rafts,  which  they  were  enabled^, 
to  do  by  fome  trees  that  fortunately  grew  on  the  fpot,  and  at*- 
tempted  to  crofs  one  of  the  lakes. 

They  accordingly  fet  off  before  day-break;  but  the  Ottagaw- 
mics,  who  had  been  watchful  of  their  motions,  perceiving  their 
defign,  detached  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  from  each  of  their 
parties,  to  oppofe  their  landing.  Thefe  three  hundred  march, 
ed  fo  expeditioufly  to  the  other  fide  of  the  lake,  that  they  reach- 
ed it  before  their  opponents  had  gained  the  tlioto^  they  being, 
'^gtafded  by  their  poles  (licking  in  the  mud. 


^* 


^  \i 


r^t 


'0i 
'■'If 


t.i     J 


^ 


.,-^- 

■■># 


■I 


As  ?dOn  as  the  confederates  arrived,  they  poured  in  a  ver^ 
heavy  fire,  both  from  their  bows  and  mufquetry,  on  the  Iro- 
cjiiois,  which  greatly  difconcerted  them ;  till  the  latter  finding 
their  fituation  defperate,  leaped  into  the  water,  and  fought  their 
way  through  their  enemies.  TJiis  however  they  could  not  do 
without  lofing  more  than  half  their  men. 

After  the  Iroquois  had  landed,  they  made  good  their  retreat, 
but  were  obliged  to  leave  their  enemies  mafters  of  the  iield, 
and  in  pofTeflion  of  all  thbfurs  they  had  taken  during  their  win- 
ter's hunt.  Thus  dearly  did  they  pay  for  an  unprovoked  excur- 
iion  to  fuch  diftance  from  the  route  they  ought  to  have  purfued, 
and  to  which  they  were  only  impelled  by  a  fudden  defire  of  cut- 
ting off  fomc  of  their  ancient  enemies. 

But  had  they  known  their  (Irength  they  might  have  deftroyed 
every  man  |^f  the  party  that  oppofed  them;  which  even  at  the 
firft  onfet  was  only  inconfiderablc,  and,  when  diminiflied  by  the 
jffl:ion,  totally  unable  to  make  any  (land  againft  them. 

The  victorious  bands  rewarded  the  Chiptiways,  who  had  been 
the  means  of  their  fucccfs,  with  a  iTiare  of  the  fpoils.  They 
preflcd  them  to  take  any  quantity  they  chofe  of  the  richcfl  of 
the  furs,  and  fent  them  under  an  efcort  of  fifty  men,  to  their 
own  country.  The  difinterefted  Chipeways,  as  the  Indians  in 
general  are  feldom  actuated  by  mercenary  motives,  for  a  confi- 
derable  time  refufed  thefe  prefents,  but  were  at  length  perfuad- 
cd  to  accept  of  them. 

The  brave  and  well-concerted  refiftance  here  made  by  the 
Ottagaumies  aud  Saukies,  aided  by  the  mediation  of  the  Chipe- 
vvays,  who  laying  afide  on  this  occafion  the  animofity  they  had 
fo  long  born,  thofe  people  approved  of  the  generous  conduct  of 
their  four  chiefs,  were  together  the  means  of  elfefting  a  recon- 
ciliation between  thefe  nations ;  and  in  procefe  of  time  united 
them  all  in  the  batids  of  amity. 

.  And  I  believe  that,  all  the  Indians  inhabiting  that  extcnfive 
country,  which  lies  between  Quebec,  the  banksof  the  IVIifllflip- 
pi  north  of  the  Ouifconfin,  and  the  fcttlements  belonging  to 
the  Iludfon's  Bay  Company,  arc  at  prefent  in  a  (late  of  profound 
peace.  Whcn'their  relllcrs  dilpofitions  will  not  iufter  them  to 
remain  inactive,  thefe  northern  Indians  feldom  commit  hoftili^ 
ties  on  each  other,  but  makeexciniionstothe  foutlnvard,  againft 
the  Cherokees,  Choftahs,  Chickfaws  or  Illinois. 

Sometimes  the  Indians  grow  tired  of  a  war  which  tbey  have 
carried  on  againll  fome  neighbouring  nation  for  many  yeafs 
without  much  fucccfs,  and  in  this  cafe  they  feek  for  mediators 
to  begin  a  negotiation.  Thei\:  being  obtained,  the  treaty  is 
thus  conduced. 

A  number  of  their  own  chiefs,  joined  by  thofe  who  have  ac-. 
cepted  the  friendly  office,  fet  out  together  for  the  country  ot 
their  enemies;  fuch  as  are  chofen  for  this  purpofc,  are  chiefs 
of  the  moft  extcnfive  abilities,  and  of  the  greate(l  integrity^ 
Xliey  bear  before  them  tljc  Pipe  of  PcacC;  Vvhich  I  need  not 
.^'* :  inform 


l\     ^ 


tnform  my  readers  is  of  the  fame  nature  as  a  Flag  of  Truce 
among  the  European*,  and  is  treated  with  the  greateft  refpeft 
and  veneration,  even  by  the  moft  barbarous  nations.  I  never 
^  heard  of  an  inftance  wiierein  the  bearers  of  this  facred  badge 
of  friendlTiip  were  ever  treated  difrefpeftfully,  or  its  rights  vior 
lated.  The  Indians  believe  that  the  Great  Spirit  never  fufFers 
an  infraflion  of  this  kind  to  go  unpuniihed. 

Th&  Pipe  of  Peace,  which  is  termed  by  the  French  the  Calu- 
met, for  what  reafon  I  could  never  learn,  is  about  four  feet 
Jong.  The  bowl  of  it  is  made  of  red  marble,  and  the  ftem  of 
it  of  a  light  wood,  curioufly  painted  with  hieroglyphicks  in  va- 
rious colours,  and  adorned  with  feathers  of  the  moft  beautiful 
birds ;  but  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  convey  an  idea  of  the  va- 
rious tints  and  plcafing  ornaments  of  this  much  efteemed  In- 
dian implement. 

Every  nation  has  a  dilTerent  method  of  decorating  thefe  pipes;' 
and  they  can  tell  at  firft  fight  to  what  band  it  belongs.     It  is  ufed 
as  an  introduclion  to  all  treaties,  and  great  ccrem.ony  attendj^. 
the  ufe  of  it  on  thefe  occafions.  ^^.i 

The  afliftant  or  aid-du-camp  of  the  great  warrior,  when  thJi 
chiefs  are  affembled  and  fcited,  fills  it  with  tobacco  mixed  with 
the  herbs  before-mentioned,  taking  care  at  tiie  fame  time  that 
no  part  of  it  touches  the  ground.  When  it  i§  filled,  he  takes  a 
coal  that  is  thoroughly  kindled,  from  a  fire  which  is  generally 
kept  burning  in  the  midli;  of  the  allcmbly,  and  places  it  on  the 
the  tobacco. 

As  foon   as  it  is  fufliciently  lighted,  he  throws  off  the  coal. 
He  then  turns  the  ftem  of  it  towards  the  heavens,  after  this  to*-  , 
wards  the  earth,  and  now  holding  it  horizontally,  moves  him- 
fclf  round  till  he  has  compleated  a  circle:  by  the  firft  aftion  he 
Is  fuppofed  to  prefcHt  it  to  the  Great  Spirit,  whofeaid  is  there- 
by fupplicatcd;  by  the  fecond,  to  avert  any  malicious  interpo-/'.,;. 
fitionofthe  evil  fpirits;  and  by  the  tliird  to  gain  the  protec-''' 
tion  of  the  fpirits  inhabiting  the  ah',  the  earth,  and  the  waters. 
Having  thus  fecurcd  the   favour  of  thofe  invifible  agents,   in 
whofe  povyer  they  fuppofe  it  is  either  to  forward  or  obllruftthe 
ilfue  of  their  prefent  deliberations,  he  prefents  it  to  the  here- 
ditary chief,  who  having  taken  two  or  three  whiffs,  blows  the 
fmoak  from  his  mouth  firlt  towards  heaven,  and  then  around 
him  upon  the  ground. 

It  is  afterwards  put  in  the  fame  manner  into  the  mouths  of  the 
ambaifadors  or  flr'angers,   who    obfcrvc  the  fame    ceremony,  y 
then  to  the  chief  of  Lhc  warriors,  and  to  all  the  other  chiefs  in-' '.- 
turn,  according  to  then- gradation.     During  this  time  the  per-"?;; 
fon  who  executes  this  honourable  ofilcc  holds  the  pipe  llightly 
in  his  hand,  as  if  he  feared  to  prcfs  the  facred  infirument;  nor 
does  any  one  prefume  to  touch  it  but  with  his  lips. 

When  the  chiefs  who  are  intruftcd  with  the  commilBon  for  mak- 
ing pface,  approach  the  town  or  camp  to  which  they  aregoing, 
qhey  begin  to  ling  and  dance  the  fong?  and  dances  appropriated 

to 


yj-: 


•'    r* 


m 


t   »sa  1 

t"d  tfiis  occafion.    Fy  this  time  the  adverfe  party  are  apprlzcc^ 
of  their  arrival,  and  diverting  themfelves  of  their  wonted  en- 
mity at  the  fight  of  the  Pipe  of  Peace,  invite  them  to  the  habi- 
tation of  the  Great  Chief,  and  furnifh  them  with  every  convc*.^ 
jiiency  during  the  ncgociation.  * 

A  council  is  then  held;  and  when  the  fpeeches  and  debates 
are  ended,  if  no  obftruftions  arife  to  put  a  flop  to  the  treaty, 
the  painted  hatchet  is  buried  in  the  ground,  as  a  memorial  that 
all  animofities  between  the  contending  nations  have  ceafed,  and 
a  peace  taken  place.  Among  the  ruder  bands,  fuch  as  have  no 
communication  with  the  Europeans,  a  war  club,  painted  red,  is 
buried,  inftead  of  the  hatchet, 

A  belt  of  wampum  is  alfo  given  on  this  occafion,  which  ferves 
as  a  ratification  of  the  peace,  and  records  to  the  latcft  poftcri- 
ty,  by  the  hieroglyphicks  into  which  the  beads  are  formed,  eve- 
ry ftipulated  article  in  the  treaty. 

Thefe  belts  are  made  of  fhells  found  on  the  coafts  of  New 
England  and  Virginia,  which  are  fawed  out  into  beads  of  an  ob- 
long form,  about  a  quarter  of  an  inchlong,  and  round  like  other 
beads.  Being  llrung  on  leather  firings,  and  fcveral  of  them 
fcwed  neatly  together  with  iine  finewy  threads,  they  then  com- 
pote what  is  termed  a  belt  of  Wampum. 

The  ihells  are  generally  of  two  colours,  fome  Vv-hitc  and  others 
violet;  but  the  latter  are  mors  highly  efteemed  than  the  former. 
They  are  held  in  as  much  eftimation  by  the  Indians,  as  gold, 
lilver,  or  precious  ftones  are  by  the  Europeans. 

The  belts  are  compofed  of  ten,  twelve,  or  a  greater  number 
offtrings,  according  to  the  importance  of  the  affair  in  agita- 
tion, or  the  dignity  of  the  perfon  to  whom  it  is  prcfcntcd.  On 
more  trifling  occafions,  firings  of  thefe  beads  are  prcfented  by 
the  chiefs  to  each  other,  and  frc(iucntly  worn  by  them  aboulf 
ch<;ir  necks,  as  a  valuable  ornament, 


CHAPTER     XL 


Of  their   GAME  S, 


A 


vS  I  have  before  obferved,  the  Indians  are  greatly  addiacif 

to  gaming,  and  will  even  ftake,  and  lofe  with  compofurc, 

all  the  valuables  they  are  pofleffed  of.  They  amufe  themfelves 
at  fcveral  forts  of  games,  but  the  principal  and  moft  efteemed 
among  them  is  that  of  the  ball,  which  is  not  imlike  the  Euro- 
pean game  of  tennis.  , 


ir\ 


iilL^h  ■ 


7".?^?  I  • 


%. 


'S 


;  t  151  i 

The  balls  they  ufe  ure  rather  larger  than  thofe  made  ufe  of 
at  tennis,  and  are  formed  of  a  piece  of  deer-skin;  which  be* 
Jng  moiftened  to  render  it  fupple,  is  fluiFed  hard  with  the  hair 
fif  the  fame  creature,  and  fewcd  with  its  finews.  The  balU 
fticks  are  about  three  feet  long,  at  the  end  of  which  there  is 
fixed  a  kind  of  racket,  refcmbling  the  palm  of  the  hand,  and 
fafhioned  of  thongs  cut  from  a  deer-skin.  In  thefe  they  catch 
tlie  ball,  and  throw  it  to  a  great  diftance,  if  they  are  not  pre- 
vented by  fome  of  the  oppofite  party,  who  fly  to  intercept 
it. 

This  game  is  generally  played  by  large  companies,  that  fome- 
times  confift  of  more  than  three  hundred,*  and  it  is  not  uncom- 
mon for  different  bands  to  play  againfl:  each  other. 

They  begin  by  fixing  two  poles  in  the  ground  at  about  fix 
hundred  yards  apart,  and  one  of  thefe  goals  belong  to  each  par- 
ty of  the  combatants.  The  ball  is  thrown  up  high  in  the  cen- 
tre of  the  ground,  and  in  a  direft  line  between  the  goals;  to- 
wards which  each  party  endeavours  to  ftrike  it,  and  which-ever 
fide  firfl:  caufes  it  to  reach  their  own  goal,  reckons  towards  tho 
game. 

J  They  are  fo  exceeding  dextrous  in  this  manly  exercife,  that 
the  ball  is  ufually  kept  flying  in  different  direftions  by  the  force 
of  the  rackets,  without  touching  the  ground  during  the  whole 
contention;  for  they  are  not  allowed  to  catch  it  with  their 
hands.  They  run  with  amazing  velocity  in  purfuit  of  each 
other,  and  when  one  is  on  the  point  of  hurling  it  to  a  great 
diftance,  an  antagonift  overtakes  him,  and  by  a  fudden  ftroko 
dallies  down  the  ball. 

The  play  with  fo  much  vehemence  that  they  frequently  wound 
cacli  other,  and  fometimes  a  bone  is  broken;  but  notwithftand- 
ing  thefe  accidents  there  never  appears  to  be  any  fpite  or  wan- 
ton exertions  of  ftrength  to  effeft  them,  nor  do  any  difputeS 
ever  happen  between  the  parties. 

There  is  another  game  alfo  in  ufe  among  them  worthy  of  re- 
mark, and  this  is  the  game  of  the  Bowl  o|  Platter.  This  game 
is  played  between  two  perfons  only.  Each  perfon  has  fix  or 
eight  little  bones  not  unlike  a  peach- ftone  either  in  fize  or  Ihape, 
except  that  they  are  quadrangular ;  two  of  the  fides  of  which 
are  couloured  black,  and  the  others  white.  Thefe  they  throw 
up  into  the  air,  from  whence  they  fall  into  a  bowl  or  platter 
placed  underneath,  and  made  to  fpin  round.  'ji^;; 

According  as  thefe  bones  prefent  the  white  or  black  fide  up- 
wards they  reckon  the  game :  he  that  happens  to  have  the  great- 
eft  number  turn  up  of  a  fimilar  colour,  counts  five  points ;  and 
forty  is  the  game. 

The  winning  party  keeps  his  place,  and  the  lofer  yields  his  to" 
nother  "wfho  is  appointed  by  one  of  the  umpires ;  for  a  whole 
illage  is  fometimes  concerned  in  the  party,  and  at  times  one 
juiid  plays  againft  anothcri 

paring 


,r. 


'        T    'Si   ]        " 

*    During  this  play  the  Indians  appeaf  to  be  greatly  agitated, 
and  at  every  decifiv^;  throw  fet  up  a  hideous  (hout.     They  make 
a  thoufand  contortions,  addrefling  themfelves  at  the  fame  tiine 
to  the  bones,  and  loading  witli  imprecations  the  evil  fpirits  tliiJ' 
affift  their  fucccfsful  antagonifts. 

At  this  game  fomc  will  lofe  their  apparel,  all  the  moveables 
of  their  cabins,  and  fometimcs  even  their  liberty,  notwith- 
ftanding  there  are  no  people  in  the  univerfc  more  jealous  of  the 
Jattcr  than  the  Indians  are. 


I 


CHAPTER    Xir. 


4-. 


I- 


•f        Of  their  Marriage  Ceremonies,  <6'C. 

■  ^T^  H  E  Indians  allow  of  polygSmy,  and  perfons  of  everyj' 
JL  rank  indulge  themfelves  in  this  point.  The  chiefs  in  par 
ticular  have  a  feraglio,  which  confifts  of  an  uncertain  number, 
uuially  from  fix  to  twelve  or  fourteen.  The  lower  ran'ks  arc 
permitted  to  take  as  many  as  there  is  a  probability  of  their  be- 
ing able,  with  the  children  they  may  bear,  to  maintain.  It  is 
not  uncommon  for  an  Indian  to  marry  two  fiftcrs;  fomctimes, 
if  there  happen  to  be  more,  the  whole  number;  and  notwith- 
ilanding  this  (as  it  appears  to  civilized  nations)  unnaturai  uni- ' 
;      on,  they  all  live  in  the  greatcll  harmony. 

The  younger  wives  are  fubmiflivc  to  the  elder;  andthofewho 
have  no  children,  do  fuch  menial  olficcs  for  thofc  who  arefer- 
tile,  as  caufes  their  fituation  to  differ  but  little  from  a  lliate  of 
fervitude.  However  they  perform  every  injunction  with  thegrcat- 
cft  cheerfulncfs,  in  hopes  of  gaining  thereby  the  affeftion  of 
their  hufband,  that  they  in  their  turns  may  have  the  happinefs 
of  becoming  mothers,  and  be  entitled  to  the  rcfpecl  attendant 
on  that  flate. 

It  is  not  uncommon  for  an  Indian,  although  he  takes  to  him- 
fclf  fo  many  wives,  to  live  in  a  Hate  of  continence  with  many 
of  them  for  feveral  years.  Such  as  arc  not  fo  fortunate  as  to 
gain  the  favour  of  their  hufband,  by  their  fubmiflive  andpru-' 
dent  bcha^'iour,  and  by  that  means  to  lliare  in  his  embraceaji 
continue  in  their  virgin  Itatc  during  the  whole  of  their  lives, 
uxcepc  they  happen  to  be  prefented  by  him  to  fome  rtmiigcr 
chief,  whofe  abode  among  them  will  not  admit  ol  his%i&rij>g 
into  a  more  lafting  connedion.  Jn  this  cafe  they  ful^it  to  the 
injun!^tion  of  their  hufband  without  murmuring,  and  are  not  dil- 
pleafed  at  the  temporary  union.  IJut  if  at  any  time  it  is  known 
that  theyatake  tljis  liberty  without  iui\  receiving  his  confent, 

they 


/I 


iSt 


1*  o- 


'  \4-1-'' 


agitatcc 
hey  make 
'ame  tiiiw 
pirits  till,. 

moveables 

notwlth- 

ms  of  the 


i)'c. 


;  of  every' 
iefs  in  par- 
in  number,! 
r  rariks  aroi 
(f  their  be- 
tain.  It  is 
fometimes, 
id  notwith- 
latiirai  uni- ' 

dthofcwho 
ho  are  fer- 
\  a  ftate  of 
1  the  great- 
iffeftion  of 
;  happinefs 
attendant 

|;es  to  hiai' . 
Jv/ith  man/ 
lunate  as  to 
le  and  prii-  , 
cmbrace«Si|^ 
Itheir  lives,'- 
le  iU|ngcr 
ils%n«Jri»is 
liijit  to  the 
lire  not  dil- 
fit  is  known 
us  content, 
they 


/ 


they  are  punlflied  in  the  fame  manner  as  if  they  had  been  guilty 
of  adultery. 

This  curtom  is  more  prevalent  among  the  nations  which  h'e 
|q  the  interior  parts,  than  among  thofe  that  are  nearer  the  fct» 
fiSments,  as  the  manners  of  the  latter  are  rendered  more  coii.> 
formable  in  fome  points  to  thofe  of  the  Europeans,  by  the  in* 
tercourfe  they  hold  with  them. 

The  Indian  nations  differ  but  little  from  each  other  in  their     • 
marriage  ceremonies,  and  Iefs  in  the  manner  of  their  divorces. 
The  tribes  that  inhabit  the  borders  of  Canada,  make  uie  of  the  . 
following  cuftom. 

When  a  young  Indian  has  fixed  his  inclinations  on  one  of  the* 
other  fex,  he  endeavours  to  gain  her  confent,  and  if  he  fuc- 
ceeds,  it  is  never  known  that  her  parents  ever  obftruft  their  . 
union.  When  every  preliminary  is  agreed  on,  and  the  day  ap-  . 
pointed,  the  friends  and  acquaintance  of  both  parties  alTemble 
at  the  houfe  or  tent  of  the  oldeft  relation  of  the  bridegroom, 
wiiere  .a  feaft  is  prepared  on  the  occalion. 

The  company  who  meet  to  aflift  at  the  feftival  are  fometimes 
very  numerous,-  they  dance,  they  fing,  and  enter  into  every  othei 
diverfion  ufually  made  ufe  of  on  any  of  their  public  rejoicings. 

When  thefe  are  finiflied,  all  thofe  who  attended  merely  out  ot 
ceremony  depart,  and  the  bridegroom  and  bride  are  left  alone 
with  three  or  four  of  the  neareft  and  oldeft  relations  of  eithei 
fide;  thofe  of  the  bridegroom  being  men,  thofe  of  the  bridi;, 
women. 

Prefently  the  bride,  attended  by  thefe  few  friends,  having; 
withdrawn  herfelf  for  the  purpofe,  appears  at  one  of  thedoorji 
of  the  houfe,  and  is  led  to  the  bridegrooiT^^vho  ftands  ready 
to  rec^ve  her.  Having  ijow  taken  their  ftation,  on  a  mat  placed 
in  the  centre  of  the  room,  they  lay  hold  of  the  extremities  of  a 
wand,  about  four  feet  long,  by  which  they  continue  fcparated, 
whilrt  the  old  men  pronounce  fome  ihort  harangues  fuitable  to 
the  occalion. 

The  married  coitple  after  this  make  a  puplic  declaration  of 
the  love  ^nd  regard  they  entertain  for  each  otjicr,  and  ftill  hold- 
ing the  rod  between  them,  dance  and  ling.  When'^ey  hava 
finiflied  this  part  of  the  ceremony,  they  break  the  rod  int6  a» 
many  pieces  as  there  are  witnclles  prcfent,  who  each  take  a  ' 
piece,  and  preferve  it  with  great  care. 

The  bride  is  then  reconducted  out  of  the  door  at  which  llie  ^ 
entered,  where  her  young  companions  wait  to  attend  her  to 
hei   father's  houfe;  there  the  bridegroom  is  obliged  to    fcek   '" 
l^tti  and  the  marriage  is  confummatcd.     Very  often  the  wife  re- 
mains at  her  father's  houfe  till  llie  has  a  child,  when  flie  packs       . 
up  her  appjrel,  which  is  all  the  fortune  flie  is  generally  poffcf;,;! ..;"'. 
fed  of,  ancf  accompanies  her  hufband  to  his  habitation.  T\i^. 

When  f«om  any  diilike  a  icpiiriition  takes  place,  for  they  are. 

feldom   kilown  to  quarrel,  they  generally  give  their  friends  a 

'  few  davs  uoficc  of  their  intention^',  and  fomctlmc's  oifer  rj^ioni 


^0 


u 


w 


to 


M-:. 


to  juflify  Lhcir  coik1ui51:.  The  witnefTcs  who  \rei'c  prcrjnt  attlva 
inaniaji;e,  meet  on  llicday  ie<jiiclk'ci,  at  the  hoiifeof  the  couple 
tliat  are  about  to  feparatc,  and  brin;i;ui('^  with  them ^ the  pieces 
•of  rod  which  they  had  received  at  their  nuptials,  throw  them 
.« into  the  (ire,  in  the  prefencc  of  all  the  parties.  ^ 

.^  This  is  the  whole  of  the  ceremony  required,  and  the  repara- 
tion is  carried  on  without  any  murmurings  or  ill-will  between 
the  couple  or  their  relations;  and  after  a  few  months  they  are 
at  liberty  to  marry  again.  ' 

When  a  marriage  is  thus  diffolvcd,  the  children  which  have 
been  produced  from  it,  are  equally  divided  between  them;  and 
as  children  arc  cfleemed  a  trcafureby  the  Indians,  if  the  number 
happens  to  be  odd,  the  woman  is  allowed  to  take  the  better  half. 
Though  this  cullom  feems  to  encourage  ficklenefs  and  fre- 
quent fepa:»ations,  yet  there  are  many  of  the  Indians  who  have 
but  one  wife,  and  enjoy  with  her  a  (uite  of  connubial  happinefs 
not  to  be  exceeded  in  more  relincd  focieties.  There  are  alfo 
-■  not  a  few  inllances  of  women  preferving  an  inviolable  attach- 
ment to  their  hufbands,  except  in  the  cafes  beforemeiitioned, 
which  are  not  confickrfd  as  either  a  violation  of  their  chartity 

^    or  tidcllty. 

Although  I  have  faid  that  the  Indian  nations  differ  very  little 
from  each  other  in  their  marriage  ceremonies,  there  are  fonw 
exceptions.  The  Naudoweflies  have  a  fingular  method  of  cele- 
brating their  marriages,  which  feems  to  bear  no  refemblance  to 
tiiofe  made  ufe  of  by  any  pthcr  nation  I  paded  through.  When  one 
•jof  their  young  men  has  fixed  on  a  young  woman  he  approves  of, 

4v;  be  difcovers  his  pallion  to  her  parents,  who  give  him  an  invi- 

■  •   tation  to  eomc  ii||Alive  with  them  in  their  tent. 

He  accordinglyaccepts  the  offer,  and  by  fo  doing  engages  to 
relide  in  it  for  a  whole  year,  in  the  character  of  amenit.1  fervant. 
During  this  time  he  hunts,  and  brings  all  the  game  he  kills 
to  the  familyj  by  which  means  the  father  has  an  opportunity  of 
feeing  whether  he  is  able  to  provide  for  the  fupport  of  .his 
daughter  and  the  children  that  might  be   the  coi;?fequence  of 

•■  their  union.  This  hov/ever  is  only  done  whilft  they  are  young 
men,  and  for  their  full  wife,  and  not  repeated  like  Jacob's  fer- 

-  •  vitudes. 

When  this  period  is  expired,  the  marriage  is  folemnized  af- 

'  tcr  the  cullom  of  the  country,  in  the  foiiuwing  manner  :  Three 
or  four  of  the  oldell  male  relations  oi  the  bridegroom,  and  as 
many  of  the  bride's,  accomjiaiiy  tr.c  yoimg  couple  from  their 
rcfpcctive  tents,  to  an  open  part  in  tlio  centre  of  the  camp. 

The  chiefs  and  warriors  being  hcie  adembled  to  receive  them, 
a  party  of  the  latter  are  drawn  up  iii  two  ranks  on  each- lide  of 
the  bride  and  bridegroom  immediately  on  their  '^fi'ivai^p'heir 
•  principal  chief  then  acquaints  the  whole  allembly  ^i^p|e  de- 
iign  of  tlu'ir  meeting,  and  tells  them  that  the  couple l^^i' them, 
mentioning  at  the  fame  time  their  names,  are  conw  to  avow 
publicly  their  intentions  of  living  together  as  yjiii|vand  wife. 


:;f-i;- 


•* 


..-:* 


"■*ildf^;. 


W 


V  [155    ] 

He  theft  asliS  the  two  young  pcoj^c  alternately,  whether  they 
dcfiro  that  the  union  might  tai^c  place.  Having  declared  vvitli 
an  audible  voice  that  tlTcy  do  fo,  the  warriors  fix  their  arrows, 
and  difcharge  them  ovtfr  the  heads  of  tlie  married  pair;  this 
done,  the  chief  pronounces  them  man  and  wife. 

The  bridegroom  then  turns  round,  and  bending  his  body, 
takes  his  wife  on  his  back,  in  which  m;;nner  he  carries  heir 
amidll  the  acclamations  of  the  fpcilators  to  his  tent.  Tliis  ce- 
remony is  fuccecded  by  the  moft  plentiful  feall  the  new  married 
man  can  afford,  and  fongs  and  dances,  according  to  the  ufuul 
cuiTom,  conclude  the  feftival.    •■ 

Divorces  happen  fo  fcldom  among  the  Naudowcfllcs  that  I 
had  not  an  opportunity  of  learning  how  they  are  accompiiihcd. 

Adultery  is  eilcenud  by  them  a  heinous  crime,  and  puniihed 
with  the  greatcil  rigour. '  The  hufband  in  thefe  cales  bites  off 
the  v/ife  s  nofc,  and  a  fcparation  inflantly  enfues.  1  faw  an  in- , 
itancc  wherein  this  mode  of  punillimcnt  was  inflifted,  whilll  I' 
remained  among  them.  The  children,  when  this  happens,  are 
diftributed  according  to  the  ufual  cuftom  obfci  vcd  by  other  na- 
tions, that  is,  they  are  equally  divided. 

Among  the  Indian  as  well  as  European  nations,  there  are 
many  that  devote  thcmfelves  to  pleafure,  and  notwitk.(1:anding 
the  accounts  given  by  fomc  modern  writers  of  the  frigidity  ot  an 
Indian  conilitution,  become  the  zealous  votaries  of  Venus.  The 
young  warj^iors  that  arc  thus  difpofed,  feldom  want  opportuni- 
ties for  gratifying  their  paflion ;  and  as  tlic  mode  ufually  foU 
lowed  on  thefe  occafions  is  rather  lingular,  1  lliaU  defcribc  it. 
^£  When  one  of  thefe  young  debauchees  imagines  from  the  be- 
havi/our  of  the  perfon  he  has  chofen  for  his  miftrel"s,  that  he 
ftall  not  meet  with  any  great  obftruCtion  to  his  fuit  from  her, 
he  purfues  the  following  plan. 

It  has  been  already  obfcrved,  that  the  Indians  acknowledge 
no  fuperiority,  nor  have  they  any  ideas  of  fubordination,  ex- 
cept in  the  neceffary  regulations  of  their  war  or  hunting  par- 
ties; they  confequenily  live  nearly  in  a  ftatc  of  equality,  pur- 
fuant  to  the  fiid  principles  of  nature.  The  lover  therefore  is 
not  apprehenfive  of  any  check  or  countroul  in  the  accomplifl^- 
ment  of  his  purpoies,  if  l;e  can  find  a  convenient  opportunity 
for  completing  them. 

As  the  Indians  arealfo  under  no  apprchenfion  of  robbers,  or 
fe;:rct  enemies,  they  leave  the  doors  of  their  tents  or  huts  un- 
faftencd  during  the  night,  as  well  as  in  the  day.  Two  or  thj-ec 
hours  after  funfet,  the  Haves  or  old  people  cover  over  the  lire, 
that  is  generally  burning  in  the  midlls  of  their  apartment,  with 
alhes,  and  retire  to  their  repofe. 

Wliilft  darknefs  thus  prevails,  and  all  is  quiet,  one  of  thefe 
fons  o||peafure,  wrapped  up  clofely  in  hi,s  blanket,  to  prevent 
his  be^  known,  will^netimes  enter  the  apartment  of  his  in- 
tended mirtrefs.  Having  lirft  lighted  at  the  fmothcrcd  fire  a 
fmall  fplint-er  of  wood,  which  anfwcrs  thepurpofcof  a  match, 


hv 


^ 


-■■,■•.  .         *      ,  ,  -"♦■'*   .• 

"     '   '   *       A     ' 
-  -  ->  9 

[     i5<5     ] 

he  nppvoa.hcs  the  place  whe^e  fhe  rcpofcs,  and  gently 4jiilIlnR 

away  the  covering  from  the  head,  jogs  her  till  (he  awakes.     If 

Ihe  then  rifes  up,  and  blows  out  the  li(;ht,  he  needs  no  further 

contirniation  that  his  company  is  not  difiigreeable;  but  if,  after 

•he  has  difcovered  himfelf,  ihe  hides  her   head,  and  lakes  no 

f-iinotice  of  him,  he  might  reft  aflured  that  any  further  folitita- 

''*ti«)ns  will  prove  vain,  and  that  it  is  necclTary  immediately  for 

hiui  to  retire. 

During  his  flay  he  conceals  the  light  as  much  as  poflible  fn 
the  hollow  of  his  hands,  and  as  the  tents  or  rooms  of  the  In- 
dians are  ufually  large  and  capacious,  he  efcapes  without  de- 
tection. It  is  faid  that  the  young  women  who  admit  their  lovers 
cnthcfc  occafions,  take  great  caie,  by  an  immediate  application 
to  herbs,  with  the  potent  efficacy  of  which  they  are  well  ac- 
quainted, to  prevent  the  elFcfts  of  thcfe  illicit  amours  from  be- 
coming vifible;  for  (houlU  the  natural  confequcnccs  enfue,  they 
miift  forever  remain  immarried.  * 

The  children  of  the  Indians  are  always  diflinguifhcd  by  the 
name  of  the  mother,*  and  if  a  woman  marries  feveral  hufbands, 
and  has  ilTue  by  each  of  them,  they  are  all  called  after  her. 
The  reafon  they  give  for  this  is,  that  as  their  offspring  are  in- 
debted to  the  father  for  their  fouls,  the  invifiblc  part  of  their 
tifence,  and  to  the  mother  for  their  corporeal  and  apparent 
part,  it  is  more  rational  that  they  fhould  be  diftinguillied  by 
the  name  of  the  latter,  from  whom  they  indubitably  derive 
their  being,  than  by  that  of  the  father,  to  which  a  doubt  might 
fometlmes  arife  whether  they  arc  juflly  Intitled. 

There  arefome  ceremonies  made  ule  of  by  the  Indians  at  the 
impofition  of  the  name,  and  it  is  confidered  by  them  as  a  mat- 
ter of  great  importance;  but  what  thefe  are  I  could  never  Icaru, 
through  the  fecrecy  obfcrved  on  the  occafion.  I  only  know 
that  it  is  ufually  given  when  thi  children  have  pafled  the  Itatc 
of  infancy. 

Nothing  can  exceed  the  tcndcrnefs  fliown  by  them  to  their 
oft'spring;  and  a  perfon  cannot  recommend  himfelf  to  their  fa. 
vour  by  any  method  more  certain,  than  by  paying  fome  atten- 
tion to  the  younger  brar.chcs  of  their  families.  I  can  impute, 
in  fome  meafurc,  to  the  prcfcnts  I  made  to  the  children  of  tliC 
chiefs   of   the  Naudowcflies,  the   hofpitable  leccptlon  1   met 


with  when  among  them. 


There  is  fome  difficulty  attends  an  explanation  of  the  manner  f! 
in  which  the   Indians  dillinguiili  ihemlclvcs  from  each  other. 
IJcfidcs  the  name  of  the  animal  by  which  every  nation  and  tribfi 
is  denominated,  there  are  others  that  are  perfonal,  aud  which 
tl'.c  children  receive  ironi  their  mother. 

The  chiefs  are  ahb  diltinguifhed  by  a  name  that  has   either 
fomt;?"  reference  to  their  abiiiiies,  or  to  thehieroglyphicj^a^  their 
i^aniilJQSji  and, thefe  are  acquired  after  t^y  arrive  at  th^pge  of 
•  ,iinanho(rd.     Such  as  have  fignalized  tJuEmfelves  either  m  tUfti^.^rj 
\^2i-  or  bunt;:  s  parties,  or  aiepolleflcd  of  foixje  emiiient^j^uiifi-   " 
"  .  .  "    *       li(!ation>. 


^ 


9^ 


•  ♦ 


y  4jiilIinR 
akes.     If 

0  further 
t  if,  uftcr 
takes  no 

folitita- 
iately  for 

loflible  in 
:)f  the  In- 
ithout  dc- 
leir  lovers 
pplication 
e  well  ac- 
;s  from  be- 
in  fiie,  they 

icd  by  the 

1  hufbands, 
after  her. 

ing  arc  in- 
irt.of  their 
d  apparent 
guillicd  by 
ibly  derive 
(oubt  might 

ans  at  the 
as  a  mat- 
never  learn, 
only  know 
d  the  llatc 

em  to  their 
to  their  fa. 
V)mc  atten- 
in  impute, 
dien  of  the 
tion  1  met 

the  manner 
each  other. 
)n  and  tribe 
and  which 

has   either 
hiclsiat  iheir 


t  tl^ge  of 

her  in  il«i%^ 
iinent,j;iU'all-  ' 
ii^atiora> ..,, 


I    157    1 

fjcatioii,  receive  a  name  that  fervcs  to  perpetuate  the  fame  of 
chefe  aftlons,  or  to  make  their  abilities  confpicuous. 

Thus  the  ^reut  jvarrior  of  the  Naudoweflies  was  named  Ot- 
fahtongoomlilTicah,  that  is,  the  Great  Father  of  Snakes ;  oitah 
being  in  EngMlh  father,  longoom  great,  and  liflicah  a  fnake.j 
Another  ehief  was  called  Honahpawjatin,  which  means  a  fwiftt 
runner  over  th»  mountains.  And  when  they  adopted  me  a  chief 
among  them,  they  named  me  Shebaygo,  which  fignifies  a  vvriter, 
or  a  perfon  that  is  curious  in  niaking  hieroglyphicks,  as  ihcy 
faw  mc  often  writing.  ^. 


■fiih^ 


CHAPTER      XIIL 


0/  their    Religion.     • 


IT  is  very  difficult  to  attain  a  peifc(5l  knowledge  of  the  reli- 
gious principles  of  the  Indians.  Their  ceremonies  and  doc- 
trines have  been  fo  often  ridiculed  by  the  Europeans,  that  the|i.» 
endeavour  to  conceal  them;  and  if,  after  the  greateft  intimaxrjr^ 
you  dcfire  any  of  them  ^o  explaiii  to  you  their  fyftem  of  reli- 
gion, to  pre\  ent  your  ridicule,  they  intermix  with  it  many  of 
the  tenets  they  have  received  from  the  French  milTionaries,  fo 
that  it  is  at  hill:  rendered  an  uninteUigible  jargon,  and  not  to  be 
depended  upon. 

Such  as  I  could  difcover  among  the  Naudoweflies  (for  they 
alfo  were  very  referved  in  this  }ioinL)  I  iliiill  give  my  readers, 
without  paying  any  attention  to  the  accounts  of  others.  As  the 
religion  of  that  people  from  their  firuation  appears  to  be  totally 
unadultcred  with  the  fuperllitions  of  the  church  of  Rome,  we 
iliall  be  able  to  gain  from  their  religious  cutionis  a  more  perfe6l 
Idea  of  the  original  tenets  and  ceremonies  of  the  Indian.s  in  ge- 
neral, than  from  thole  of  any  nations  that  approach  nearer  to 
the  iettlements. 

It  is  certain  they  acknowledge  one  Supreme  Bein|f>.vbi-  Giver 
of  Life,  who  prefidcs  over  all  things.  The  Chipcways  call  this 
Being  Manitou,  or  JCitchi-Manitou;  the  Naudoweflies,  Wakow 
or  Tongo  Wakon,  that  isf  the  Great  Spirit;  and  they  look  u}> 
to  him  as  the  fource  of  good,  from  whom  no  evil  can  proceed. 
They  alfo  believe  in  a  bad  I'piric,  to  whom  they  alcribc  greut 
power,  and  fuppofe  that  through  his  means  all  the  evils  whicli 
befall  mankind  are  inflicted.  To  him  there! ore  do  they  pray  in 
Iheir  diftreffes,  J:)egginj;  that  he  would  either  avert  their  trou- 
bles, or  moderate  thet^vhcn  they  are  no  longer  avoidable. 
ife*-iJ?cy  fay  that  the  Gre^t  Spirit,  who  is  iniinitely  good,  nei-" 
th^jf'^j|jilies  or  is  ablp  to  do  any  mifchief  to  mankind;  but  on 
s       '  ""   ^-v  .: .:  -,.  the 


w 


Jif^,. 


♦  t 


•#- 


^  'i^-, 


r  i3»  T  ..• 

the  contrary,  that  he  fhowcrs  dou-n  on  tlicm  aft  the  blcfUnRK 
they  defervc;  whereas  the  evil  fpirlt  is  continually  cniploy(.'d  in 
contriving  how  he  may  punifli  the  human  race;  and  to  do  which 
he  is  not  only  pofTcflcd  of  the  will,  but  of  tlie  power. 
#  They  hold  alio  that  there  are  good  (pirits  of  a  lefTer  degree, 
who  have  their  particular  dep;n-tments,  in  which  they  are  con- 
flantly  contributing  to  the  happinefs  of  mortal.  Thcfe  they 
fuppofc  to  prcfide  over  all  the  extraordinary  produftions  of  na- 
ture, fuch  as  thofe  lakes,  rivers,  or  mountains  that  are  of  an 
uncommon  magnitude;  and  likewife  the  hearts,  birds,  filliep, 
and  even  vegetables,  or  rtones  that  exceed  tb.e  rcfc  of  ikc'n  fpe- 
cics  in  (ize  or  llngularity.  To  all  of  thefe  they  pay  fome  kind 
of  adoratiorL^,Xl(pS;When  they  arrive  on  the  borders  of  Lake 
Superior,  on  the  banks  of  the  MifliUlppI,  or  any  other  great 
bodyot  watcr^<i|lW|r  prefent  to  the  Spirit  who  r(;fidcs  there  fome 
kind  of  oflx'rffig,  as  the  prince  of  the  Winnebagoes  did  v;hen 
he  attended  me  to  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony. 

But  at  the  fame  time  I  fancy  that  the  ideas  they  annex  to  tlic 
word  fpiiit,  are  very  different  from  the  conceptions  more  en- 
lightened nations  entertain  of  it.  Tht-y  appear  to  falTiion  to 
themfclves  corporeal  reprefentations  of  th'cir  gods,  and  believe 
them  to  be  of  a  human  form,  though  of  a  nature  more  excel- 
lent than  man. 

Of  the  fame  kind  arc  their  fentimcnts  relative  to  a  futurity. 
They  doubt  not  but  they  iTiall  exill  in  (ome  fuUne  ftate;  they 
however  fancy  that  their  employments  there  will  be  fimilar  to 
thofe  they  are  engaged  in  here,  without  the  labour  and  diflicul- 
ty  annexed  to  them  in  this  period  of  their  cxillcnce.  % 

They  confequently  cxpetltobe  tranllated  to  a  delightful  coun- 
try, where  they  iTiail  always  have  a  clear  unclouded  sky,  and 
enjoy  a  perpetual  fpringj  where  the  forefts  will  abound  with 
•game,  and  the  lakes  with  (lili,  which  might  be  taken  without 
requiring  a  painful  exertion  of  skill,  or  a  laborious  purfuit ;  in 
Ihort,  that  they  ftall  live  for  ever  in  regions  of  plenty,  and  en- 
•joy  every  gratiiication  they  delight  in  here,  in  a  greater  degree. 

To  intclleclual  pleafures  they  are  ftrangers;  nor  are  thde 
included  in  their  fchcme  of  happincis.  But  they  expecl  that 
even  thefe  ar.imal  pleafures  will  be  proportioned  and  dirtribut- 
td  according  to  their  merit,*  the  skilful  hunter,  the  bold  and 
fuccefsful  warrior,  v/ill  be  entitled  to  a  greater  lliare  than  thofe 
who  through  indolence  or  want  of  skill  cannot  boaft  of  any  fupc- 
riority  over  the  connnon  herd. 

The  prices  of  the  Indians  are  at  the  fame  time  their  pliyfi- 
cians,  and  their  conjurors;  whilll  they  heal  their  wounds,  op 
cure  their  difeafcs,  they  interpret  their  dreams,  give  them  pro- 
tective charms,  and  fatisfy  that  defire  which  is  fo  pre\alent 
anions  them,  of  fcarching  into  futurity.  ^ 

How  well  they  execute  the  latter  gArt  of  their  profeflienal 
engagements,  and  the  methods  Ihey  make  ufe  of  on  fome  of  thef^ 
oecaiiuns,  I  have  already  Ihev/n  in  the  exertions  of. the  pricftcf 

"^-/-  the 


■*. 


r  n  «,.  » 

•  [     159     ]      ^  ,  .    ^  • 

the  Killiftinocs,  who  was  fortunate  cnoiigli  to'fiicocod  In  hlscx- 
naordiiuiry  atcciupt  near  I.akcSiipcrior.  They  rrt'(iiicntly  are 
liitcoisfiil  likcwifc  in  adniinillcring  the  faluhrlous  licrbs  they 
have  accjuireil  a  knowledj^e  of;  Init  that  the  ceremonies  they 
make  life  of  diirins  the  achninillration  of  them  contributes  to 
tlieir  fiiccefs,  I  Ihall  not  take  upon  nie  to  alfcrt. 

When  any  of  the  people  are  ill,  the  perfon  who  is  inverted 
witli  this  triple  character  of  doilor,  prieft,  and  magician,  llts 
by  the  patient  djiy  and  night,  rattling  in  his  ears  a  goad  fliell 
filled  with  dry  beans,  called  a  Chichicoud',  and  making  a  difa- 
greeable  noife  that  cannot  be  well  defcribcd. 

This  uncouth  harmony  one  would  imagine  fliould  difturb  the 
lick  ptfrfon,  and  prevent  the  good  efl'eds  of  the  dodor's  pre- 
fcription;  but  on  the  contrary  they  believe  that  the  method 
made  ufe  of  contributes  to  his  recovery,  by  diverting  from  his 
malignant  purpofes  the  evil  i'pirit  who  has  inflicled  the  difor- 
der;  or  at  lealt  that  it  will  take  oft'  his  attention,  lb  that  he 
lliall  no(;»incrcare  the  malady.  This  they  are  credulous  enough 
to  imagine  he  is  conilantly  on  the  watch  to  do,  and  would 
carry  his  inveteracy  to  a  fatal  length  if  they  did  not  thus  charm 
him.  "    . 

I  coidd  not  difcQver  that  they  make  ufe  of  any  other  religi- 
ous ceremonies  than  thofe  I  have  dcfcribed;  indeed,  on  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  new  moon  they  dance  and  fing;  but  it  is  not 
evident  that  they  pay  that  planet  any  adoration;  they  only  fecm 
to  rejoice  at  the  return  of  a  luminary  that  makes  the  night  cheer- 
ful, and  which  ferves  to  light  them  on  their  way  when  they  tra- 
vel during  the  ab fence  of  the  fun. 

Notwithftanding    Mr.    Adair   has  afTerted  that    the   nations 

among  whom  he  relided,   obferve  with  very  little  variation  all 

'  the  rites  appointed  by  the  Mofaic  Law,  1  own  I  could  never 

difcovcr  among  thofe  tribes   that  lie  but  a  few  degrees  to  the 

north-well,  the  leaft  traces  of  the  Jewllli  religion,  except  it  be 

adipitted  that  one  particular  female  cullom  and  their  divifion  into 

trifvjs,  carry  with  them  proofs  fufiicientto  eft abliili  this  aflxirtion. 

The  Jefuits  and  French  miflionaries  have  alfo  pretended  that 

the  Indians  had,  when  they  lirft  travelled  into  America,    lome 

notions,  though  thcfe  were  dark  and  confu(J?d,  of  the  chriftiaii 

inftitution;  that  they  have  been  greatly  agitated  at  the  light  of 

■    a  crofs,    and  given  proofs,    by  the  impreftions  made  on  them, 

'  that  they  were  not  entirely  unacquaint'.-d  with  the  facred  myfle- 

ries  of  Chriftianity.     I  need  not  fay  that  thcfc  are  too  glaring 

abfurdities  to  be  credited,*  and  could  only  receive  their  exiftence 

«.fKOin  the  zeal  of  thofe  fathers,  who  endeavoured  at  once  to 

giv^  the  public  a  better  opijiion  of  the  fuccefs  of  their  miftl- 

ons,  and  to  add  fupport  to  tijc  caufe  they  were  engaged  in. 

The  Indians  appear  to  be  in  their  religious  principles,   rude 

and  uninrtrufted.      The  doclrines  they  hold  are  few  and  limple, 

und  fiicK  as  have  been  generally  impreffcd  on  tht;  human  mind, 

by  fome  means  or  other^  in  the  moil  ignoiant  ages.     TheyhoW^ 

...      ■  •  ,  .  ••«        cvs:: 

•  tt     ,  --t   '   ■. .,  "im  -  -      ■  -  '   ■•.     ^' 

#'  '  ■    w  '•»•■!:  ■^f      •  •■        1       .  _■*:, 


/*v 


'MM 


ti^ 


^% 


♦. 


[     160    1 


ever  have  hot  deviated,  as  many  other  uncivilized  nations,  and 
too  many  civilized  ones  have  done,  into  idohitroiis  ino'des^of 
worfliip;  they  venerate  indeed,  and  make  offerings  to  the  won- 
derful parts  of  the  creation,  as  I  have  before  obferved ;  but 
whether  thefe  rites  are  perfoimed  on  account  of  the  impreflion 
fuch  extraordinary  apf  earances  make  on  them,  or  whether  they 
confider  them  as  th^'  peculiar  charge,  or  the  uluai  places  of  re- 
fidence  of  the  invifible  fpirits  they  acknowledge,  1  cannot  po- 
fitively  determine. 

The  human  mind  in  its  uncultivated  ftate  is  apt  to  afcribe  the 
extraordinary  occurrences  of  nature,  fuch  as  earthquakes,  thun- 
der, or  hurricanes,  to  the  interpofition  of  unfeen  beings;  the 
troubles  anddifarters  alfo  that  are  annexed  to  a  favage  fife,  the 
apprehenfions  attendant  on  a  precarious  fubfiftcnce  and  thofc 
numberlefs  inconveniencies  which  man  in  his  improved  Hate 

'has  found  means  to  remedy,  are  fuppofed  to  proceed  from  the 
iriterpofition  of  evil  fpirits;  the  favage  confequcntly  lives  in 
continual  apprehenfions,  of  their  unkind  attacks,  and  to  avert 
them  has  recourfe  to  charms,  to  the  fantaflic  ceremonies  of  his 
priert,  or  the  powerful  influence  of  his  Manitous.  Fear  has  of 
courfe  a  greater  (hare  in  his  devotions  than  gratitude,  and  he 
pays  more  attention  to  deprecating  the  wrath  of  the  evil  than 
to  fecuring  the  favour  of  the  good  beings. 

The  Indians,  however,  entertain  thefe  abfurditics  in  com- 
mon with  thofe  of  every  part  of  the  globe  who  have  not  been 
illumined  by  that  religion  which  only  can  difperfe  the  clouds  of 

■fuperftition  and  ignorance,  and  they  areas  free  from  error  as 
4  people  can  be  that  has  not  been  favoured  with  its  inftructivc 
doftrines. 


C  H  A  P  T  E  11.      XIV. 


Of  their    Diseases,    i)'C 


i'^\. 


TU  E  Indians  in  genera!  arc  healthy,  and  fubjcLl  but  to 
few  diteaics,  many  of  tliole  that  afflicl  civilized  nations, 
and  are  the  iinincdiatc  conre(]uc!iccs  of  luxury  or  floth,  being* 
not  known  anjong  theui;  however,  the  limrdlhips  anu  fatigues 
v.'hich  they  cndiu-e  in  luuiting  or  war,  the  inclemency  of  the 
feafons  to  which  they  are  continually  expofed,  but  above  all  the> 
extremes  of  hunger,  and  that  voracioufnefs  their  long  excurfi- 
ons  confequenfly  rdbicct  them  to,  cannot  fail  of  impairing  the 
coulUtucion,  aud  brinjjinsj  on  dUordci's. 

F  .         Pains 


*i;^-.^    ^ 


^^ 


iPr* 


ons,  and 
nodes,  of 
the  won- 
ted; but 
iipieflion 
ither  they 
:es  of  ic- 
innot  po- 

fcribe  the 
tes,  thun- 
;ings;  the 
sfit'c,  thti 
and  thofc 
oved  llatc 
,  from  tho 
ly  lives  in 
Ito  avert 
nies  of  his 
'ear  has  of 
de,  and  he 
c  evil  than 

2S  in  corn- 
re  not  been 
c  clouds  of 
m  error  as 
inftruAivc 


)jca  but  to 
red  nations, 
(Hh,  being" 
nu  fatigues 
;ncy  01  the 
hove  all  the. 
Mig  cxcurfi- 
pairing  the 


■  il*j 


•  Pains  and  weaknefles  in  the  ftomach  and  bread  arc  fometimcs 
the  refult  of  their  long  fafting,  and  confumptions  of  the  exceiP 
ive  fatigue  and  violent  exercifes  they  exp.ofe  themfelvcs  to  from 
their  infancy,  before  they  have  ftrength  fufficient  to  fupport 
them.  But  the  diforder  to  which  they  are  moft  fubjeft,  is  the 
pleurify;  for  the  removal  of  which,  they  apply  their  grand  re- 
medy and  prefervative  againft  the  generality  of  their  complaints, 
fweating. 

The  manner  in  which  they  conftruft  their  ftoves  for  this  pur- 
pofe  is  as  follows :  They  fix  feveral  fmall  poles  in  the  ground, 
the  tops  of  which  they  twift  together,  fo  as  to  form  a  rotunda  : 
this  frame  they  cover  with  skins  or  blankets;  and  they  lay  them 
on  with:^  fo  much  nicety,  that  the  air  is  kept  from  entering 
through  any  crevice,-  a  fmall  fpace  being  only  left,  juft  fuffici- 
ent to  creep  in  at,  which  is  immediately  after  clofed.  In  the 
middle  of  this  confined  building  they,  place  red  hot  ftones,  on 
which  they  pour  water  till  a  lleam  aril'cs  that  produces  a  great 
degree  ofheat. 

This  caufes  an  inftantenous  perfpiration,  which  they  incrcafe 
as  theypleafe.  Having  continued  in  it  for  fome  time,  they  imme- 
diately hallen  to  the  neared  dream,  and  plunge  in;othe  water; 
and,  after  bathing  therein  for  about  half  a  minute,  they  put  on 
their  cloaths,  fit  down  and  fmoak  with  great  compofure,  tho- 
roughly perfuaded  that  the  remedy  will  prove  efficacious.  They 
often  make  ufe  of  this  fudoriferous  method  to  refrefli  themfelves, 
or  to  prepare  their  minds  for  the  management  of  any  bufinef* 
that  requires  uncomn|pn  deliberation  and  fagacity. 

They  are  likewife  afflifted  with  the  dropfy  and  paralytic  com- 
plaints, which,  however,  are  but  yety  feldom  known  among' 
them.  As  a  remedy  for  thefe  as  well  as  for  fevers  they  mak« 
ufe  of  lotions  and  decofliio.ns,  compofed  of  herbs,  which  th* 
phyficians  know  perfeftly  well  how  to  compound  and  apply. 
But  they  never  truft  to  medicines  alone;  they  always  have  re- 
courfe  likcwiie  to  fomt  fupcrftitious  ceremonies,  withoutwhich 
tliciv  patients  v/ould  not  think  the  phyfical  preparations  fuffici- 
ently  powerful. 

With  equal  judgment  they  make  ufe  of  fimples  for  the  cure 
of  wounds,  fraftures,  or  bruifes;  and  are  able  to  extraft  by 
thefe,  v/ithout  incifion,  fplinters,  iron,  or  any  fort  of  matter 
by  which  the  wound  is  caufed.  In  cures  of  this  kind  they  arc 
extremely  dextrous,  and  complete  them  in  much  Icfs  time  than 
might  be  cxp'^died  from  t!:cir  mode  of  proceeding. 

With  the  skin  of  a  fnake,  which  thole  reptiles  annually  flied, 
thy  will  alfo  extract  fplinters.  It  is  amazing  to  fee  tlse  fudden 
efficacy  of  this  applicatton,  notwithftajiding  there  does  not  ap*^ 
^ear  to  be  ihc  leall  moilturc  remaining  in  it. 

It  has  long  '-Qcn  a  fubjcft  of  difpute,  on  what  continent  the 
venereal  difeafe  liril  received  its  dellruclivc  power.  This  dread- 
fvl  malady  is  fuppofed  to  have  originated  in  America,  but  the 
literary  conteft  ftill  remains  undecided;  to  give  fomc  elucida- 

X  tioii 


4'' 


rM.. 


jtoi 


\' 


■#. 


'•fr.*' 


'C  ■• 


i>: 


[      162      ] 

tion  to  It  i  fhall  remark,  that  as  I  could  not  difcover  the  Icaft 
traces  among  the  Naudowefll^s,  with  whom  I  rcfided  fo  long, 
and  was  alfo  informed  that  it  was  yet  unknown  among  the  more 
^\yeftej-n  nations,  I  think  I  may  venture  to  pronounce  that  it  had 
*not  its  origin  in  North  America.  Thofe  nations  that  have  any 
coaimunication  with  the  Europeans,  or  the  fouthern  tribes,  are 
greatly  afflifted  with  it;  but  they  have  all  of  them  acquired  a 
knowledge  of  fuch  certain  and  expeditious  remedies,  that  the 
communication  is  not  attended  wfth  any  dangerous  confequences. 

Soon  after  I  fct  out  on  my  travels,  one  of  the  traders  whom 
I  accompanied,  complained  of  a  violent  gonorrhcea,  with  all  its 
alarming  fymptoms:  this  incrcafed  to  fuch  a  degree,  that  by 
*the  time  we  had  reacfied  the  town  of  the  Winncbagoes,  he  wa^s 
unable  to  travel.  Having  made  his  complaint  known  to  one  of 
the  chiefs  of  that  tribe,  he  told  him  not  to  be  uneafy,  for  he 
would  engage  that  by  following  his  advice,  he  fliould  be  able 
In  a  few  days  to  purfuc  his  journey,  and  in  a  little  longer  time 
.  be  entirely  free  from  his  difordcr. 

The  chief  had  no  fboner  faid  this  than  he  prepared  for  him  a 
deCowlion  of  the  bark  of  the  roots  of  the  prickly  alTi,  a  tree 
fcarccly  known  in  England,  but  which  grows  in  great  plenty 
throughout  North  America;  by  the  ufe  of  which,  in  a  few  days 
he  was  greatly  recovered,  and  having  received  direftions  how 
"to  prepare  it,  in  a  fortnight  after  his  departure  from  this  place 
perceived  that  he  was  radically  cured. 

If  from  excelTTve  excercife,  or  the  extremes  of  heat  or  cold, 
they  are  aflccled  with  pains  in  their  limbs^or  joints,  they  fcari- 
fy  the  parts  affefted.  Thofe  nations  who  have  no  commerce 
,  with  Europeans  do  this  with  a  iTiarp  flint;  and*  it  is  furprizinf 
<o  fee  how  fine  a  point  they  have  the  dexterity  to  bring  them ; 
a  lancet  can  fcarcely  exceed  in  lliarpnefs  the  inftruments  they 
r.iake  ufe  of  this  unmalleable  fubftancc. 

They  never  can  be  convinced  a  perfon  is  ill,  whilft  he  has  an 
appctitcj  but  when  he  rcjeds  all  kind  of  nourifhmcnt,  they  eon- 
lidcr  thei  dlleafe  as  dangerous,  and  pay  great  attention'  to  it ; 
Liid  during  the  continuance  of  the  diforder,  the  phyfician  refufcs 
bi^  patient  no  fort  of  food  that  he  is  defirous  of. 

'1  heir  doiflors  arc  not  only  fuppofed  to  be  skilled  in  the  phy- 
ilcd  Lr'jatment  of  difeafcs ;  but  theconnnon  people  believe  that 
by  the  ccrcrr.ony  of  the  Cliichicou(^  ufualiy  made  ufs?  of,  as  be- 
fore dcfcrlbed,  they  are  able  to  gnin  intelligence  from  the  fpi- 
liCb  of  the  caufe  of  the  complaints  with  which  they  are  aflliclcd, 
and  iiie  thereby  the  better  enabled  to  find  remedies  for  them, 
'i'hey  di'.Vover  fomcthing  fupcrnatiiral  in  all  their  difeafes,  and 
the  phyfick  adminillcred  muft  invariably  be  aided  by  thefe  fit- 
perllir.iui'jS. 

.Sometimes  a  fick  perfon  fancier  that  his  diforder  arifesfrom 
wiichcr;'.i"ii  in  (his  cafe  the  piiyljci;;n  or  juggler  is  confultcd, 
vvI)o,  afrcr  the  ufiial  preparations,  gives  his  opinion  on  the  llatr; 
<it'  the  i.i:;\'sf:'^  iind  freqwentlv  find:;  fom«  uic«m«-  for  \m  cur\| 


•.."<¥^ 


Bat  nctwithftanding  the  Indian  phyficians  always  annex  tliefe 
i'uperftitious  cereiTionies  to  their  prefcriptions,  it  is  very  certain, 
as  1  have  aheady  obferved,  that  they  exercife  their  art  by  prin- 
ciples which  arc  founded  on  the  knowledge  of  fimples,  and  on 
experience  which  they  acquire  by  an  indefatigable  attention  to 
their  operations. 

The  following  ftory,  which  I  received  from  a  perfon  of»un- 
doubted  credijt,  proves  that  the  Indians  are  not  ppiy  able  tp 
reafon  with  great  acutenefs  on  the  caufes  and  fyniptonis  of  ma« 
ny  of  the  diforders  which  aye  attendant  on  human  nature^  but 
to  apply  with  equal  judgment  proper  remedies.  -  ,* '; 

In  Penobfcot,  a  fettlement  in  the  province  of  Maini  jji  |ljp 
north-eaft  parts  of  New-England,  the  wife  of  a  foldier  wast'Sken 
in  labour,  and  notwithftanding  every  neceflary  afliftance  \va# 
given  her,  could  not  be  delivered.  In  this  fituation  llie  re- 
mained for  two  or  three  days,  the  perfons  grounii  her  expefting 
thajt  the  next  pang  would  put  an  end  to  her  cxiftence. 

An  Indian  woman,  who  accidentally  pafled  by,  heard  the 
groans  of  the  unhappy  fufFercr,  and  enquired  from  when*c^4Kfy' 
proceeded.  Being  made  acquainted  with  the  defperate  circiim- 
ft.ances  attending  the  cafe,  fhe  told  the  informant,  that  if  iTie 
might  be  permitted  to  fee  the  perfon,  flie  did  not  doubt  but 
that  fl>e  could  be  of  great  fervice  to  her. 

The  furgeon  that  had  attended,  and  the  midwife  who  jivas 
then  prefent,  having  given  up  every  hope  of  preferving  th^fr 
patient,  the  Indian  .woman  was  allowed  to  make  ufe  of  any  me- 
thods (he  thought  proper.  She  accordingly  took  a  handker- 
chief, and  bound  it  tight  over  the  nofe  and  mouth  of  the  wo- 
nan;  this  immediately  brought  on  a  fufFocation;  and  from  the 
ruggles  that  confequ-^ntly  enfued  fhe  was  in  a  few  feconds  de- 
livered. The  moment  this  was  atchieved,  and  time  enough  to 
prevent  any  fatal  effeft,  the  handkerchief  was  taken  off.  The 
long  fuffering  patient  thus  happily  relieved  from  her  pains, 
foon  after  perfcftly  recovered,  to  the  aftonilhmcnt  of  all  thofe 
who  had  been  witnefs  to  her  defperate  fituation. 

The  reafon  given  by  the  Indian  for  this  hazardous  method  of 
proceeding  was,  that  defperate  diforders  require  defperate  re- 
medies ;  that  IS  fhe  obferved  the  exertions  of  nature  were  not 
fufficiently  forcible  toefFeft  thedefired  confequence,  iHe  thought 
it  ncceffary  to  augment  their  force,  which  could  only  be  done 
by  foiae  mode  that  wa$  violent  in  Jil^  extreme. 


^! 


I  ■■"•'iTt'-'im 


■*  ^ 
* 

«  II  A  p. 


'■#. 


-*^ 


t 


4 


^-     ^ 

T"-1M-'^\; 

I    :t54   Jl 

-*(     ••'♦•'Mi-*,  ■ 

X.    i^i^h^,^ 

f  ■•.^-    . 

.fi'-^      -■»*.      •^'t'w^'* 

CHAPTER     XV. 


•?*-i 


(Cy    the   Manner  in    nvhich    they  treat    their 

-■■"..--     •■'  ■    Dead.    ,       ^  .  "  f    ^^^ 

^,  .        ■  .      •■  -r  fv  '  -  ■  ,'^*# 

AN  Indian  meets  death  when  it  approaches  him  in  his  hut, 
with  the  fame  refolution  he  has  often  faced  him  in  the 
field.  His  indifference  relative  to  this  important  article,  which 
is  the  fourcs  of  fo  many  apprehenfions  to  almoft  every  other 
nation,  is  truly  admirable.  When  his  fate  is  pronounced  by  the 
phyfician,  and  it  remains  no  longer  uncertain,  he  harangues 
thofe  about  him  with  the  greateft  compofure. 

If  he  is  a  chief  and  has  a  family,  he  makes  a  kind  of  funeral 
oration,  which  he  concludes  by  giving  to  his  children  fuch  ad- 
vice for  the  regulation  of  their  conduft  as  he  thinks  neceffary. 
He  then  takes  leave  of  his  friends,|  and  ifTues  out  orders  for 
the  preparation  of  a  feall,  which  is  defigned  to  regale  thofe  of 
his  tribe  that  come  to  pronounce  his  eulogium. 

After  the  breath  is  departed,  the  body  is  dreffed  in  the  fame 
attire  it  ufually  wore  whilft  living,  his  face  is  painted,  and  he 
feated  in  an  ereA  podure,  on  a  mat  or  skin,  placed  in  the 
middle  of  the  hut,  with  his  weapons  by  his  fide.  His  relations 
being  feated  round,  each  harangues  in  turn  the  deceafod ;  and  if 
he  has  been  a  great  warrior,  recounts  his  heroic  aftions  nearly 
to  the  following  purport,  which  in  the  Indian  language  is  ex- 
treipely  poetical  and  pleafing  ; 

*^*  You  dill  fit  among  us.  Brother,  your  perfon  retains  its 
**  ufual  refemblance,  and  continues  fimijar  to  ours,  without  any 
vifible  deficiency,  except  that  it  has  loft  the  power  of  aftion. 
But  whither  is  that  breath  flown,  which  a  few  hours  ago  fent 
up  fmoke  to  the  Great  Spirit?  Why  are  thofe  lips  filent,  that 
lately  delivered  to  us  exprefliive  and  pleafing  laiiguage.?  why 
are  thofe  feet  motionlefs^  that  a  Ihort  time  ago  were  fleeter 
than  the  deer  on  yonder  moKitains.J*  why  ufelefshang  thofe 
arms  that  could  climb  the  talleil  tree,  or  draw  the  tougheft 
bow .?  Alas !  cvei  y  part  of  that  frame  which  we  lately  beheld 
with  admiration  and  wonder,  is  now  become  as  inanimate  as 
it  was  three  hundred  winters  ago.  We  will  not,  however, 
bemoan  thee  as  if  thou  \TOft  for  "ver  loft  to  us,  or  that  thy 
name  would  be  buried  in  oblivion;  thy  foul  yet  lives  in  the 
great  Country  of  Spirits,  with  thofe  of  thy  Jiation  that  are 
gone  before  thee;  and  though  we  are  left  behind  to  perpe- 
tuate thy  fume,  wc  fhall  one  day  join  thee.     Aduated  by  the 

*'  refpcft 


«c 

«c 
i< 

« 

u 

<(. 
tl 

u 

n 


«5 

(( 

«( 


-♦ 


^W''  % 


It 


[     165     1  * 

*5  refpeft  we  bore  thee  whilft  living,  we  now  come  to  tender 
**  to  thee  the  laft  aft  of  kindnefs  it  is  in  our  power  to  bellow  t 
*'  that  thy  body  might  not  lie  neglefted  on  the  plain,  and  be-' 
**  come  a  prey  to  the  beads  of  the  field,  or  the  fowls  of  the 

air,  we  will  take  care  to  lay  it  with  thofeof  thy  predeceiTors 

who  are  gone  before  thee;  hoping  at  the  fame  lime,  that  thy 

fpirit  will  feed  with  their  fpirits,  and  he  ready  to  receive 
**,ours,  when  wealfolliall  arrive  at  thegreat  Country  of  Souls." 
*  'In  Ihort  fpeeches  fomewhat  fimilar  to  this  does  every  chief 
fflelk  the  praifes  of  his  departed  friend.  When  they  have  fo 
done,  if  they  happen  to  be  at  a  great  diftauce  from  the  place 
of  interment,  appropriated  to  their  tribe,  and  the  perfon  dies 
during  the  winter  feafon,  they  wrap  the  body  in  skins,  and  lay 
it  on  a  high  flage  built  for  this  purpofe,  or  on  the  branches  of 
a  large  tree,  till  the  fpring  arrives.  They  then,  after  the  man-, 
ner  defcribed  in  my  journal,  carry  it,  together  with  all  thofe 
belonging' to  the  fame  nation,  to  the  general  burial  place,  where 
it  is  interred  with  fomc  other  ceremonies  that  I  could  not  dif- 
cover. 

When  the  Naudoweflies  brought  their  dead  for  interment  to 
the  great  cave,  I  attempted  to  get  an  infight  into  the  remaining 
bttrial  rites;  but  whether  it  was  on  account  of  thertench  which 
arofe  from  fo  many  bodies,  the  weather  being  then  hot,  or 
whether  they  chofe  to  keep  this  part  of  their  cuftoms  fecret 
trom  me,  I  could  not  difcovcr;  1  found,  however,  that  they 
confidered  my  curiofity  as  ill-timed,  and  therefore  I  withdrew.  - 

After  the  interment,  the  band  to  which  the  perfon  belongs, 
take  care  to  fix  near  the  place  fuch  hieroglyphicks  as  Ihall  Ihov/ 
to  future  ages  his  merit  and  accompliihments.  If  any  of  thefe 
people  die  in  the  fummer  at  a  dillance  from  the  burying-ground, 
and  they  find  it  impoflible  to  remove  the  body  before  it  putre- 
fies, they  burn  the  fleih  from  the  bones,  and  preferving  the  lat-. 
ter,  bury  them  in  the  manner  defcribed.  ^ 

As  the  Indians  believe  that  the  fouls  of  the  deceafed  cmpWy 
themfelves  In  the  fame  manner  in  the  country  of  fpirits,  as  they 
did  on  earth,  that  they  acquire  their  food  by  hunting,  and  have 
there,  alfo,  enemies  to  contend  with,  they  take  care  that  they 
do  not  enter  thofe  regions  defencelefs  and  unprovided:  they 
confequently  bury  with  them  their  bows,  their  arrows,  and  all 
the  other  weapons  ufed  either  in  hunting  or  war.  As  they  doubt 
not  but  they  will  likewife  have  occafion  both  for  the  neccUaries 
of  life,  and  thofe  things  they  efteem  as  ornaments,  they  ufu;.'.Iy 
depofrt  in  their  tombs  fuch  skins  or  ftutFs  as  they  commonly 
made  their  garments  of,  domertic  utcnfils,  and  paint  for  orna- 
menting their  perfons. 

The  near  relations  of  the  deceafed  lament  his  lofs  with  an 
appearance  of  great  forrow  and  anguiili ;  they  weep  and  hou-l, 
and  make  ufe  of  many -contortions,  as  they  lit  in  the  hut  or  tent 
around  the  body,  when  the  iatervals  between  the  piaifes  of  the 


m> 


'^  ■  t-  'L 


*;■#» 


'iv 


chiefb  wl!!  permit. 


One 


:^ 


■•^.f' 


..^ 


W 


^y 


■f       t    166    1 


4J 


A  One  forir.ality  in  mourning  for  the  dead  amon?»  the  Naudo- 
^ellies  is  very  different  from  any  mode  I  obferved  in  the  other 
nations  through  which  I  paffcd.  The  men,  to  ihow  how  great 
their  forrow  is,  pierce  the  flefh  of  their  arms,  above  the  el- 
bows, with  arrows ;  the  fears  of  which  I  could  perceive  on 
thofe  of  every  rank,  in  a  greater  or  I'efs  degree ;  and  the  wo- 
men cut  and  gaih  their  legs  with  iharp  broken  flints>  till  the 
blood  flows  very  plentifully. 

Whilft  I  remained  among  them,  a  couple  whofe  tent  was  ad- 
jacent to  mine,  loft  a  fon  of  about  four  years  of  age.  The  psl* 
lents  were  fo  much  affefted  at  the  death  of  their  favourite  child, 
that  they  purfued  the  ufual  tqHimonies  of  grief  with  fuch  un- 
common rigour,  as  through  the  weight  of  forrow  and  lofs  of 
blood,  to  occafion  the  death  of  the  father.  The  woman,  who' 
hiid  hitherto  been  jnconfoiable,  no  fooner  faw  herlhusband  ex- 
pire, than  ilie  dried  up  her  tears,  and  appeared  cheerful  and 
Tcfigned. 

As  I  knew  not  how  to  account  for  fo  cxtraor4inary  a  tranf- 
ition,  I  took  an  opportunity  to  ask  her  the  reafon  of  it;  tell- 
ing her  at  the  fame  time,  that  I  fliould  have  imagined  the  lofs 
of  her  husband  would  rather  have  occafipncd  an  increafe  of 
grief,  than  fuch  a  fuddcn  diminution  of  it. 

She  informed  me,  that  as  the  child  was  fo  young  when  it  died, 
and  unable  to  fupport  itfelf  in*the  country  of  fpirits,  both  iho 
and  her  husband  h3d  been  apprebenfive  that  its  fituation  would 
be  far  from  happy;  but  no  fooner  did  ilie  behold  its  father  de- 
part for  the  fame  place,  who  not  only  loved  the  child  with  the 
tendered  alFeclion,  but  was  a  good  hunter,  and  would  be  able 
to  provide  plentifully  for  its  fupport,  than  Ihe  ccafcd  to  mourn. 
She  added,  that  llie  now  faw  no  reafon  to  continue  her  tearsi 
as  the  child  on  whom  llie  doatcd,  was  happy  under  the  care  and 
proteftion  of  a  fond  father,  and  fhe  had  only  one  wilTi  that 
T|mained  nngratificd,  which  was  that  of  being  hcrfelf  witU 
them. 

Exprcfljons  fo  replete  with  unalFefted  tendcrnefs,  and  fenti- 
ments  that  would  have  done  honour  to  a  Roman  matron,  mado 
an  imprcinon  on  my  mind  greatly  in  favour  of  the  people  to 
whom  iTie  belonged,  and  tended  not  a  little  to  counteraft  the 
prejudices  I  had  hitherto  entertained,  in  common  with  every, 
other  traveller,  of  Indian  infenfibility  and  want  of  parental  ten- 
dernefs. 

Mer  fubfequent  condufk  confirmed  the  favourable  opinion  \ 
h;id  jiift  imbibed;  and  convinced  me,  that,  notwithftanding  this 
;il>pjrent  fufpenfion  6f  her  grief,  lome  particles  of  that  reluft- 
iincc,  to  be  fcparated  from  a  beloved  relation,  which  is  implant- 
ed cither  by  nature  or  cuftom  in  every  human  heart,  rtill  lurked 
in  hers.  I  obferved  that  ilie  went  almort  every  evening  to  the 
foot  of  the  tree,  on  a  branch  of  which  the  bodies  of  hei" 
■husband  and  child  woe  laid,  and  after  cutting  off  a  lock  o^ 
he:  h-iir,  y::u  tj-.rcvin^  ii  ou  the  groujjd,  in  a  plaintive  melan- 
choly 


Wf^m^. 


% 


"'  ^K 


■3C>* 


ii 


t     167    ]       ' 

choly  fong  bemoanei  Its  fate.  A  recapitulation  of  the  aftion* 
he  might  have  performed,  had  his  life  been  fpared,  appeared  to 
be  her  favdlirlte  theme ;  and  whilft  flie  foretold  the  fame  that 
would  have  attended  an  imitation  of  his  father's  virtues,  her 
grief  fccmcd  to  be  fufpended  t»  • "  ■ 

"  If  thou  hadll  continued  with  us,  my  dear  Son,"  would  flie 
cry,  *'  how  well  would  the  bow  have  become  thy  hand,  and 
„  *'  and  hD\v  fatal  would  thy  arrows  have  proved  to  the  enemies 
"  of  our  bands.  Thou  wouldft  often  have  drank  thjeir  blood,  and 

eaten  their  fleih,  and  numerous  flaves  would  have  rewarded 

thy  toils.  With  a  nervous  arm  wouldft  thou  have  feizcd  the 
"  wounded  buffaloCi  or  have  combated  the  fury  of  the  enraged 
*'  bear.  Thou  wouldrthave  overtaken  the  flying  elk,  and  have 
**  kept  pace  on  the  mountain's  brow  with  the  fleeted,  deer. 
•*  What  feats  niighteft  thoU  not  have  performed,  hadft  thou 
*'  ftaid  among  us  till  age  had  gi'i^en  thceftrength,  and  thy  father 
*'  had  inflructcd  thee  in  every  Indian  accompliihment!,*  In 
terms  like  thefe  did  this  uwtutored  favage  bewail  the  lofs  of  her 
fon,  and  frequently  would  fhepafs  thegreatell  part  of  the  nighn 
in  the  affeftionate  employ. 

The  Indians  in  general  are  very  llrift  In  the  obfervance  of 
their  laws  relative  to  mourning  for  their  dead.  In  fome  na- 
tions they  cut  off  their  hair,  blacken  their  faces,  and  fit  in  an 
iereft  pofture,  with  their  heads  clofely  covered,  and  depriving 
themfelves  of  every  pleafure.  This  feverity  is  continued  for 
fever al  months,  and  with  fome  relaxations  the  appearance  ii 
fometimes  kept  up  for  feveral  yeats.  I  was  told  that  When  the 
Naudoweflies  recollefted  any  incidents  of  the  lives  of  their  deceaf- 
l|cd  relations,  even  after  an  interval  of  ttn  years,  they  would  bowl 
i,  fo  as  to  be  heard  at  a  great  diflance.  They  would  fometimes 
continue  this  proof  of  refpcft  and  affeftion  for  feveral  hours ; 
and  if  it  happened  that  the  ciiought  occurred,  and  the  noif«e 
was  begun  towards  the  evening,  chofe  of  theii"  Uibe,  wliO  ax« 
at  hand  would  join  with  ihcui.  ^  ..>,^^H 


v' 


4 

■  .   t 


.1 


:ii 


*     C  H  A  p  T  E  R    XVI. 


i4  conci/e  Character  of  tbeluDiAUs, 

THE  charaflcr  of  tjie  Indians,  like  that  of  other  uncivilizsl 
nations,  is  compofed  of  a  mixture  6f  ferocity  and  gentle- 
nefs.  Thev  are  at  once  guided  by  paflions  and  appetites,  which 
they  hold  in  common  with  the  fiercert  beads  that  inhabit  theif 
woods,  and  are  poflclled  of  virtu??  which  do  honour  to  huuuui 

fiature. 

I» 


..:i^^ 


«     i  [    168    ) 

»  In  the  following  enimatc  I  fliall  endeavour  to  forget  on  the 
one  hand  the  prejudices  of  Europeans,  who  ufually  annex 
to  the  word  Indian  epithets  that  are  difgraceful  to  human  na'- 
ture,  and  who  view  them  in  no  other  light  than  as  ravages  and 
cannibaU;  vvhiifl;  with  equal  care  I  avoid  any  partiality  towards 
them,  as  fome  mud  naturally  arife  from  the  favourable  recep* 
'    tion  I  met  with  during  my  Hay  among  them. 

At  the  fame  time  1  Oiall  confine  my  remarks  to  the  nations 
inhabiting  only  the  wellern  regions,  fuch  as  the  NaudowefHes, 
the  Ottaguamies,  the  Chipi^ways,  the  Winnebagoes,  and  the 
Saukies;  for  as  throughout  that  diverflty  of  climates,  the  extcn- 
llve  continent  of  America  is  compofed  of,  there  are  people  of 
different  difpofitions  and  various  characters,  it  would  be  incom- 
•  patible  with  my  prefent  undertaking  to  treat  of  all  thefe,  and 
to  give  a  general  view  of  them  as  a  conjunAive  body. 

That  the  Indians  are  of  a  cruel,  revengeful,  inexorable  dif- 
pofition,  that  they  will  watch  whole  days  unmindful  of  the  calls 
of  nature,  and  make  their  way  through  pathlefs,  and  almod  un- 
bounded woods,  fubfifting  only  on  the  fcanty  produce  of  them, 
Co  purfue  and  revenge  themfelves  of  an  enemy ;  that  they  hear 
immoved  the  piercing  cries  of  fuch  as  unhappily  fail  into  their 
hands,  and  receive  a  diabolical  pleafure  from  the  tortures  the/ 
infliA  on  their  prifoncrs,  I  readily  grant;  but  let  us  look  on 
the  reverfe  of  this  terrifying  ^pifture,  and  wc  fliall  find  them 
temperate  both  in  their  diet  and  potations  (it  mull  be  remem- 
bered that  I  fpeak  of  thofe  tribes  who  have  little  communica- 
tion with  Europeans)  that  they  with-ftand,  with  unexampled 
patience,  the  attacks  of  hunger,  or  the  inclemency  of  the  fea- 
fons,  and  cftcem  the  gratification  of  their  appetites  but  as  a  fc- 
condary  confideration.  ^.^  ' 

We  ftall  llkcwife  fee  them  fecial  and  humane  to  thofe  whom 
they  confider  as  their  friends,  and  even  to  their  adopted  ene- 
Qiies ;  and  ready  to  partake  with  them  of  the  ijtH  morfcl,  or  to 
risk  their  lives  in  their  defence. 

In  cbntradiftion  to  the  report  of  many  other  travellers,  all  of 
which  have  been  tindured  with  prejudice,  I  canalTert,  thatnot- 
withflanding  the  apparent  indifference  with  which  an  Indian 
meets  his  wife  and  children  after  a  long  abfence,  an  indiflerence 
proceeding  rather  from  cuilom  than  infenflbility,  he  is  not  un- 
mindful of  the  claims'either  of  connubial  or  parental  tendernefs ; 
the  little  ftory  I  have  introduced  in  the  preceeding  chapter,  of 
the  Naudoweflie  woman  lamenting  her  child^  and  the  immature 
death  of  the  father,  will  elucidate  this  -i^oint,  and  enfoice  the 
;^j^aflertion  much  better  than  Che  mod  Hudied  arguments  I  cai\^ 
^"makc  ufe  of. 

Accuftomcd  from  their  youth  to  innumerable  hardlliips,  they 
foon  become  fuperior  to  a  fenfe  of  danger,  or  the  dread  of 
death ;  and  their  fortitude,  implanted  by  nature,  and  nurtured 
by  example,  by  precept  aud  accident,  never  experiences  a  ii]g- ' 
Bienf  s  allay.  ^  ^  - » 

^  -  .,  .  ^  Thoujpp 


-J^V'V^v'..:' 


'mrn^z 


c 


et  on  the 
illy  annex 
mm  an  na'^ 
IV ages  and 
y  towards 
l)le  recep- 

le  nations 
idowcffies, 
,  and  the 
the  exten- 
people  of 
1  be  incom- 
ihefe,  and 

:orable  dif« 
of  the  calls 
I  almoft  un- 
:e  of  them, 
c  they  hear 
[  into  their 
irtures  they 
us  look  on 
I  find  them 
be  reniera- 
tommunica- 
mexampled 
of  the  fea- 
but  as  a  fcr^, 

hofe  whom 
[opted  cne- 
iifcl,  or  to 

illers,  all  of 
|t,  thatnot- 
an  Indian 
Indiflerence 
is  not  un- 
tendernefs ; 
:haptGr,  of     ' 

immature 
Mifoice  the 
Mits   I  ca»\, 

lllvips,  tiiev 
dread  of 
Id  nurtured 
liccs  a  iTU»-\ 


Thou, 


I 


[     lC9    1 

:  Though  flothful  and  inaftive  vvhilrt  tlieir  (lore  of  prov'ilion 
temains  unexhauftcd,  and  their  foes  are  at  a  diftancc,  they  are 
indefatigable  and  per  fevering  in  purfuit  of  their  game,  or  in  cir- 
cumventing their  enemies. 

If  they  are  artful  and  defignlng,  and  ready  to  take  every  ad- 
vantage, if  they  are  cool  and  deliberate  in  their  councils,  and  . 
cautious  in  the  extreme  either  of  difcovering  their  fentiments,  r: 
or  of  revealing  a  fccret,  they  might  at  the  fame  time  boaft  of 
poifefling  qualifications  r^a  more  animated  nature,  of  the  faga- 
city  of  a  hoand,  the  penetrating  fight  of  a  lynx,  the  cunning  of 
the  fox,  the  agility  of  a  bounding  roe,  and  the  unconquerable 
liercencfs  of  the  tyger. 

In  thjir  public  charafters,  as  forming  part  of  a  community, 
they  poffefs  an  attachment  for  that  band  to  which  they  belong, 
unknown  to  the  inhabitants  of  any  other  country.  They  com- 
bine, as  if  the  were  aduated  only  by  one  foul,  againft  the  ene- 
mies of  their  nation,  and  banilh  from  their  minds  every  confi' 
deration  oppofed  to  this. 

They  confult  without  unnecefl!*ary  oppofition,  or  without  giv- 
ing way  to  the  excitements  of  envy  or  ambition,  on  the  mea- 
fures  necelTary  to  be  purfued  for  the  delhuflion  of  thofe  who  • 
have  drawn  on  lii.emfelvcs  their  difpleafuie.  No  fclfilli  views 
ever  influence  their  advice,  or  obftruft  their  confultations.  Nor 
is  it  in  the  power  of  bribes  or  threats  to  diminiih  the  love  they 
bear  their  country. 

The  honour  of  their  tribe,  and  the  welfare  of  their  nation,  is 
the  firfl;  and  moll  prcdominat  emotion  of  their  hearts;  and  from 
hence  proceed  in  a  great  mcafure  all  their  virtues  and  their  vices. 
Aftuated  by  by  this,  they  brave  every  danger,  endure  the  moll 
c.vjuifite  torments,  and, expire  triumphing  in  their  fortitude, 
nek  as  a  pcrlbnal  qualification,  but  as  a  national  charaftcriftic. 

From  thefc  alfo  flow  that  infatiable  revenge  towards  thofe 
with  whom  they  are  at  war,  and  all  the  conlequent  horrors  that 
difgrace  their  name.  Their  uncultivated  mind,  being  incapable 
of  judging  of  the  propriety  of  an  action,  in  oppofition  to  their 
paflions,  which  are  totally  infenfible  to  the  controuls  of  rcafon 
or  humanity,  they  know  not  how  to  keep  their  fury  within  any 
hounds,  and  confequcntly  that  courage  and  rcfolution,  which 
would  otherwifc  do  them  honour,  degenerates  into  a  favage 
fer()citv. 

liut  this  iTiort  dilTertation  mull  fuffice ;  the  limits  of  my  work 
will  not  permit  me  to  treat  the  fubjcct  more  copioufly,  or  to 
purfue  it  with  a  logical  regularity.  The  obfervations  already 
made  by  my  readers  on  the  pieceeding  pages,  will,  I  trull,  ren- 
der it  unnecefiary ;  as  by  them  they  will  be  enabled  to  form  a 
tolerably  jull  idea  of  the  people  I  have  been  defcribing.^  Ex- 
perience teaches,  that  anecdotes,  and  relations  of  particular 
events,  however  trifling  they  might  appear,  enable  us  to  form  a 
truer  judgment  of  ths  manners  and  culloins  of  u  i";uplc,  and  are 
-'■:  X  .. ,  much 


^"1 


■#i 


'^' 


f  t 


[     170    ] 

much  declaratory  of  their  real  ftatc,  than  the  mofl  fludied  an;J 
elaborate  diCquintioii,  withoiu  thefc  aids. 


CHAPTER      XVII. 


0/  their  Language,   H  i  e  r  o  g  l  y- 

^  P  H  I  C  K  S,      6'^. 

THE  principal  languages  of  the  nsttives  of  North  America? 
may  be  divided  into  four  clalVes,  as  they  confift  of  fiich 
as  are  made  ufe  of  by  the  nations  of  the  Iroquois  towards  the 
eaftern  parts  of  it.  the  Chiptiways  or  Algonldns  to  the  north- 
weft,  tiie  Naudowcllics  to  the  weft,  and  the  Cherokees,  Chicka- 
faws,  &c.  to  the  fouth.  One  or  other  of  thefe  four  are  ufed 
by  ail  the  Indians  who  inhabit  the  parts  that  lie  between  the 
coaft  ofLabfadorenorth,  the  Florida  fouth,  the  Atlantic  ocean 
caft,  and,  as  far  as  we  can  judge  from  tiie  difcoveries  hitherto 
made,  the  Pacific  Ocean  on  the  weft. 

But  of  all  thefe,  the  Chipeway  tongue  appears  to  he  the  moft 
prevailing;  it  being  held  in  fuch  ertccm,  that  the  chiefs  of  eve- 
ry tribe,  dwelling  about  the  great  lakes,  or  to  the  weftward  of 
ihefc  on  the  banks  of  the  M;lliflipi)i,  with  ihofe  as  far  fouth  as 
ihe  Ohio,  and  as  far  north  as  Hudfon's  Bay,  confifting  of  more 
than  thirty  difl'erent  tribes,  fpcak  this  language  alone  in  their 
councils,  notwithftanding  each  has  a  peculiar  one  of  tlieir  own. 

It  will  probably  in  time  become  univerfal  among  all  the  In- 
dian nations,  as  none  of  them  attempt  to  make  cxcurfions  to 
any  great  diftancc,  or  arc  confidcrcd  as  qualified  to  carry  on  any 
negociation  with  a  dlltant  band,  unlcfs  they  have  acquired  the 
Chipeway  tongue. 

At  prefent,  befidcs  the  Chipdways,  to  whom  it  Is  natural, 
the  Ottawaws,  the  Saiikies,  the  Otcagaumies,  the  Killiftinoes, 
the  Nipcgons,  the  bands  about  Lake  Le  Plcuve,  and  the  re- 
mains of  the  Algonkins,  or  Gens  de  Tcrre,  all  converfe  in  it, 
with  fome  little  variation  of  dialed,-  but  whether  it  be  natural 
to  thefe  nations,  or  acquired,  I  was  not  able  to  difcover.  I 
am  however  of  opinion  that  the  barbarous  and  uncouth  dialed 
of  the  Winnebagoes,  the  Menomonies,  and  many  other  tribes, 
will  become  in  time  totally  extinft,  and  this  be  adopted  in  its  ftead. 

The  Chip(iway  tongue  is  not  incumbered  with  any  tinneceffa- 
ry  tones  or  accents,  neither  are  there  any  words  in  it  that  are 
Uipcrfhious;  it  is  alio  ealy  to  pronounce,  and  much  more  co- 
pious than  any  other  Indian  language. 

As  the  Indians  are  unacquainted  with  the  polite  arts,  or  with 
fhc  ftienccs,  and  as  they  arc  alfo  ftrangcra  to  ceremony,  orcom- 
....;.  .-^  ,  ■  plimcut. 


|)tff 
with 
manr 
the  r 
want 
I  h 
langu 
able  I 
Th 
found 
cither 
And  e 
vail  ini 
being 
Chat  li 
the  iTii 
As  t 
ficult  t 
I  have 
Jier  in 
mit  of. 
Alth 
ting,  ye 
lure,  f( 
commo 
cither  i 
terpriz( 
way,  tc 
adiftan 
The 
method 
I  can  fr 
Whei 
River, 
my  guit 
Ottawa! 
'    fearing 
nation  a 
and  bef 
fome  mi 
Hep 
riv^r, 
al  fubft 
the  f/gu 
the  left 
fent  a  N 
of  a  dee 
tured  fti 
in  whicl 
<iefigned 


a 

it 


■% 


^^m 


d  an<) 


L  Y- 


Amcrlcal 
of  fuch 
ards  the 
e  north* 
Chicka- 
are  ufed 
ireen  the 
tic  ocean 
hitherto 

I  the  moft 
fs  of  eve- 
flwavd  of 

fouth  as 
r  of  more 

in  their 
iieir  own. 
the  In- 
uTions  to 
rry  on  any 
iiired  the 


;  natural, 
lliftinoes,   ' 
d  the  re- 
nfe  in  it, 
jc  natural 
fcover.     I 
ith  dialett 
ler  tribes, 
nitsftead. 
dnneceffa- 
it  that  are 
more  co- 

^s,  or  with 
ly,  or  com- 
pliment, 


t     I7r     1 

|)1liKGnt,  they  neither  have  nor  need  an  infinity  of  words  where- 
with to  enibeililTi  their  difcourfe.  Plain  and  iinpoliDiedTn  their 
manners,  they  only  raaice  ufe  of  fuch  as  ferve  to  denominate 
the  necefTaries  or  conveniences  of  life,  and  to  c.xprefs  tlieir 
wants,  which  in  a  ftate  of  nature  can  be  but  few. 

I  have  annexed  hereto  a  fhort  vocabulary  of  the  Chip(5way 
language,  and  another  of  that  of  the  Naudowefltjs,'  but  am  not 
able  to  reduce  them  to  the  rules  of  grammar. 

The  latter  is  fpokcn  in  a  foft  accent,  without  any  guttural 
founds,  fo  that  it  may  be  learnt  with  facility,  and  is  not  diflicult 
cither  to  be  pronounced  or  written.  It  is  nearly  as  copious 
and  cxpreflivc  as  the  Chipdway  tongue,  and  is  the  moft  pre- 
vailing language  of  any  on  the  wellern  banks  of  the  Milliflippi; 
being  in  ufe,  according  to  their  account,  among  all  the  nations 
that  lie  to  the  north  of  the  Meiruiic,  and  extend  ab  iar  welt  as 
the  lliores  of  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

As  the  Indians  are  not  acquainted  with  letters,  it  is  very  dif- 
ficult to  convey  with  precifion  the  exadl  foimd  of  their  word"; ; 
I  have  however  endeavoured  to  write  them  as  near  to  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  exprelFed,  as  fuch  an  uncertain  mode  will  ad- 
mit of. 

Although  the  Indians  cannot  communicate  their  ideas  by  wri- 
ting, yet  they  form  certain  hieroglyphicks,  which,  in  feme  mea- 
•  fure,  ferve  to  perpetuate  any  extraordinary  tranfadlion,  or  un- 
common event.  Thus  when  they  are  on  their  excurfions,  and 
cither  intend  to  proceed,  or  have  been  on  any  remarkable  en- 
terprizc,  they  peel  the  bark  from  the  trees  which  lie  in  their 
way,  to  give  intelligence  to  thofc  parties  that  happen  to  be  at 
adiftance,  of  the  path  they  muft  purfue  to  overtake  them. 

The  following  inftance  will  convey  a  more  perfeft  idea  of  the 
methods  they  make  ufe  of  on  this  occafion,  than  any  expreflions 
I  can  frame. 

When  1  left  the  Miiriflippi,  and  proceeded  up  the  Chipcway 
River,  in  my  way  to  Lake  Superior,  as  related  in  my  Journal, 
my  guide,  who  was  a  chief  of  the  Chipeways  that  dwgll.on  the 
Ottawaw  Lake,  near  the  heads  of  the  river  we  had  juft  entered, 
^  fearing  that  fome  parties  of  the  Naudoweflies,  with  whom  his 
nation  are  perpetually  at  war,  might  accidentally  fall  in  with  us, 
and  before  they  were  apprized  of  my  being  in  company,  do  us 
fomemifchief,  he  took  the  following  llieps  ; 

He  peeled  the  bark  from  a  large  tree,  near  the  entrance  6f  a 
riv?r,  and  with  wo.od-coal,  mixed  with  bear's  greafc,  their  ufu- 
al  fubftitute  for  ink,  made  in  an  uncouth,  but  expreflive  manner, 
the  figure  pf  the  town  of  the  Ottagaumies.  He  then  formed  to 
the  left  a  man  drelTed  in  skins,  by  which  he  intended  t^o  repre- 
fent  a  Naudoweflic,  with  a  line  drawn  from  his  mouth  to  that 
of  a  deer,  the  fymbol  of  the  Chipeways.  After  this  he  depic- 
tured ftill  farther  to  the  left  a  canoe  as  proceeding  up  the  river, 
in  which  he'placed  a  mqn  fitting  with  a  hat  on ;  this  figure  was 
(iefigned  to  reprefcnt  an  Engliiliman,  or  myfelf,  andmyFrench- 


"im 


\w 


■  #•  #'     * 

^  [     172     J  / 

man  was  drawn  with  a  handkerchief  tied  round  Ms  head,  \ni 
rowing  the  canoe ;  to  thcfe  he  added  fcveral  other  figniticant 
emblems,  among  which  the  Pipe  of  Peace  appeared  painted  on 
the  prow  of  the  canoe. 

The  meaning  he  intended  to  convey  to  the  Naudoweflies,  and 
which  I  doubt  not  appeared  perfedly  intelligible  to  them,  was, 
that  one  ol  theChip^way  chiefs  had  received  a  fpcech  from  fomo 
Naudowcllic  chiefs,  at  the  town  of  the  Ottagaumies,  defiring 
him  to  condu(5l  the  Englifliman,  who  had  lately  been  among 
them,  up  the  Chipdway  river  ;  and  that  they  thereby  required, 
that  the  Chip6way,  notwithftanding  he  was  an  avowed  enemy, 
lliould  not  be  molcftcd  by  them  on  his  paflage,  as  he  had  the 
care  of  a  pcrfon  whom  they  cfteemed  as  one  of  their  nation. 

Some  author^;  have  pretended  that  the  Indians  have  armorial 
bearings,  which  they  blazon  with  great  exaftnefs,  and  which 
dillinguilTi  one  nation  from  another;  but  I  never  could  obfcrve 
any  other  arms  among  thvm  than  the  fymbols  already  dcfcribcd. 


'^'■ 


A  fhort  VoCABULARV  of  the  Chipe way 

Language. 

N,  B,  This  people  do  not  make  ufe  either  of 
,  the  confonants  F  or  V. 


«B 


^ 


A 


BOVE      Spimink 
Abandon  Packiwr 


Admirable 

Afterwards 

All 

AUvays 

Amifs 

Arrive 

Ax 

Afhes 

Aflift 


Pllawah 

Mipidach 

Kokifmm 

Kokali 

Napitch 

Tahuchin 

/igacwet 

Fingoe 

Mawinewch 


B 


"^T 


lk>'  <^'' 


Owentdwgan 

Pakhite 

Mdckwah 


CO- pouch   3 
Barrel 
Beat 
Bear, 
Bear,  a  young  7 

one  5 

Beaver 
Beaver's  skin 
Be,  6r  to  be 
Beard 
Becaiife 
Believe 
Belly 
Black 
Blood 
Body 


'jP 


Makon 

Amik 

/Ipiminiqua 

Tapaie 

Mi/chiton 

Mcwinch 

Tilerimah  --r.. 

MiJJjemout 

Markaute 

Mijkow 

Toe 

Bottla 


I    173    1 


Bnttic  Shijbigt 

Brotlicr  ^eonnis 

f> randy  or  Rum  S^uttawawbah 


Bruad 
Breech 
Breeches 
Buck 


Canoo 
Call 

Chief,  a 
Carry 
Child  or  Chil- 

dren 
Coat 

Cold,  I  am 
Come  on 
Come  to 
Comrade 
Concerned 
Co* 


P'dboufbigan 
Mifcouj'ab 
Kipokitie  Koujah 
Wajhtnh 


Cheman 
Tefbenekaw 
Okemavf 
Petou 


>  Bobelofh 


Capotcwian 

Kckalch 

Moppa 

Pemotcha 

Neechce 

TallcmiJJi 

Mdomin 


Country 
Courage 

Cup 


Emlawlawkcen 

Tagwaivfnijfii 

Olawgan 


■DancG 

Dart 

7Wgan  • 

Die,  to 

9wgan 

Dilh 

e 

Dog 

>ah 

Dead 

Devil  or  cvi 

i 

Spirit 

Dog,  a  little 

Nemeh 

SheJJMwee 

Nip 

Mackoftn 

Alim 

Nccpoa 

^  MatcJio-Manitoti 


one  5  ^''"'''* 

Done,  it  is  doncShiah 
Do  Tojhitoii 

Doubtlcf:»  Ontclatoubah 

Drcfs  the  kettle Poutw ah 
Drink  Mlnihvah 

Drunkeft  OuiJ'qniba 

k  Chicking 


^" 


Eart^ 

Eat 

Each 

Engli(h 

Enough 


OwJJinS 
Fnp^gik 
Sagounojb 
Mimilic  * 


Equal,  or  alike  Tawbifeouch 


Efteem 
Eyes 


Faft 
Fall 
Far  ofF 

Fat 

Friend 

Father 


Nawpctelivicw 
Wijkinkhit . 


*.-  •-»■, 


Waliehie    *- 


v«* 


lemc 
Ponkifitv^^ 
Watjaw 
Pimmitee 
Niconnis 
Noofak 


*'-V  ♦  . 


Few,  or  little  Mamgir   • 
Fatigued  Taukwiff! 

Field  fown        Kittegaumic 
Fire  Scutta 

Fire,  to  ftrike  Scutceke 


»v 


Find 

FiiTi 

Fork 

Formerly 

Fort 

Forward 

French 

Freeze,  to 

Freezes  hard 

Full 


NantounawaW- 

Kickon 

Na[fai¥ohvott 

Pirvcgo 

(Vakaigon 

Nopamnk 

Nechtegoojh 

Kilfm 

Ki(fmMagat 

MouAiiiet 


Fuzce  or  Gun  PtS/keJfigan 


r.^ 


.#.^^ 


Great  Spirit  3 
Go  by  water      Pimmijcm 
Girl  _       JcchvaJJInl    -- 

Give      ■"    '      jvrilaw      • 
Glafs,  a  minor  fVawbtmo->\    ' 
Good  Cawlatch  . 

Good  fornb-7  ;, 
thing  5 ' 

Govern  Tiharimr^v 

Gcncru!, 


Malatal 


«v.-- 


■^r  .-. 


t 


^'■Itf 


§' 


Genera],    Qr'Ar^v.;- n?- 
Commander  ^^'^^/"^^T'*' 


in  Chief 
Grapes 
Great 
Greedy 

Guts 


,  -Shoamin 
Manatcu 
SawfihvkiJJi 
OUnvbiJb 


JIare 
Heart 

Half 

Hair,  human 

Hair  of  beads 

Handfome 

Have 

Head 

Heaven 

Herb 

Here 

Hidden 

Home 

Honour 

"ot  ^ 

Ho# 

How  many 

Hunt 

Hut,  or  Houfe 


H 

IVayvpoos 

Michewah 

Shmgaiirima'W- 

Nau'bal 

Lijfis 

Pewal 

Canoginne 

Tcmdaulaw 

OiiJlecouaH 

Speminkakmn 

Mejafk 

^couda 

]^e\nouch 

Entayent 

Mackawalaw 

Akefbotta 

Tawiie 

Tawneinilik 

Kewajfa 

Wig-Waum 


Indians 
Iron    '" 
Ifland 

Immediately 
Indian  Corn 
Intire 
Imr  - 


Ip.ylnawhak 
Pewawbick 
Minis 
'  ll^ebatch 
Mittawmin 
Naw  pilch 
MawlawtiJJle 


It 


Co  Tawieendo 


i 


-»•:: 


Kettle  ytkikons 

King,  or  Chief  Okemaw 
Keep     ,.v^..-      Gamvcrimaw 
Knife  .  Ti"'-;^    ,Mockomaii 


174    ]        '"t^^u-,^^ 

Knife  that  isjl^  , 
crooked     ^(^ootawgan 


Know 


Thickerema)y 


Lake 

Laugh 

Lazy 

Lame 

Leave      »  ■ 

Letter 

Life       ^'-^ 

Love 

Long  fince 

Land  Carriage 

L,ofe 

Lie  down 

Little 


Kitchigawmink 

Pawpi 

Kittimi 

Kikekate 

Fockiton 

Mawjignaugon 

Nouchimomn 

Satikie 

Shawfhia 

Cappata)\igon 

Fackilaugue 

IVeipemaw 

lVaubep.Tee:\ 


M 


Meat 
Much 
Man 

March,  to  go 
Marry 
Medicine    ■ 
Merchandize 
Moon 
Mortar   to 
pound  in 
Male 
Milhcfs 


U^eas  ■ 

Nibbila-w^ 

y^UiJfmape 

PimmouJJlii 

IVeewin 

Malkikic 

Alokochigon 

Debicoti 

Poutawgon 

Nape 
N'eremoujtm 


Needle 
Near 
Nation, 
Never 
Night 
No 
Nofc 
Nothing 
Not  yet 
Not  at  all 
Nought  good 
for  nothing 


N 

Shmvbonkiii 

Pewitch 

Irines 

Cawikkcr.v 

Dcbicot 

Kaw  ^»  ^ 

Toch         W' 

Kake^o 

Kawmifchi 

JKnptitch 


2tf^ 


j  Malat 


at 


.Old 


-'^. 


<■■»  ' 


r^- 


m: 


JijiW^ 


•-*- 


A^T 


M-*  ^.. 


[    I7S    1 


did 

Kauwejhine 

Otter 

Nikkik 

Other 

Coutack 

,  p 


*■  < 


Pipe 

Part,  what  tiart 
Play  ^V 

Powder,  gun, 

or  dull 
Peace,  to  inak 
Pray 
i*ropcr 
Prefently 
Peninfula 


Takmpee 
Pad 


"Pawlaimia 
Snwfega 
IVtbatch 
MinnJjfm 


Quick 


Regard 

Red 

Rcfolve 

Relation 

Refpcft 

Rain 

Robe 

River 

Run,  to 


Sad 

Sail        m 

Sack,. or  Bag 

Sea,# 

Lalle 
Shd^s 
Ship,orIarg 

iQanoc 
Sorry 
Spirit 
Spoon 


Kcgotck 

R 

Wmvbe-iHo 

Mi/cow 

TibcUndon 

Towwemaw 

Tawbawmica 

Kiinmewan 

Ockolaw 

Si{>pim 

ritckbos 


TalimlJJiO 
Pcmijcaw 
Majkimot 
y^gankitchigaw- 
mink 
daukijji'i 

'tchi  Ojcman 

NiflottiJJls 

Alaiiitoii 

Midwon 


Star 

Steal 

Stpckings 

Strong 

Sturgeon 

Sun 

Sword 

Surprizing 

See 

Since 

Shirt 

Slave 

Sleep 

Sit  down 


Jlank     '  •    t 

Kemautif0 

Mittaus 

MaJJjkauwah    . 

Lawmack 

Kijfis 

Simaugan 

Etwah,  Etwcih 

IVawbemo 

Mapcdoh 

papawkwean 

Nippee    ■^i"*" 
Mintepiit 


Take 

Teeth 

That 

There 

This 

Truly 

Together 

Tobacco 

Tongue 

Tired 

Too  little 

Too  much 

Thank  you 

To-morrow 

To-morrow  1 

the  day  after  5 


EmaUtiilah 

Tibbit 

Mawbah 

JVatJaudebi 

Maundah 

Kikit       ::■%., 

Mcnvmawwefi 

Semau 

Oiiton       #  ' 

Tawkonjle 

OJaummangis 

OJJaune 

Megwatch    ■ 

li'^awbiink 

Oufwawiulik 


^. 


W 


Warriora^ 
Water 
War 
Way 
Well  then! 


Semaugm^^if^ 

NmauU  '4**" 
Mickon 
Tauneendah  \ 


'4 


*$ 


Wiiat  is  that?  Ji^awwcwin'^ 
What  now;'?  *'  (^lagoiiie  T 
Whence         '  Taunippi 
Where  Tah 

White  Waiibe     ■^" 


\ 


•iTri      •    »i        o  Qua<ronis 
Who  IS  there  ?<' ^^^^  ^ 

Wind  LQUtin 


Maii- 


Wintcj: 


# 


I     176    1 


winter 

■Pepoun 

WoihiD 

Jckwee 

Wood 

Mittic 

Wotf 

Mawhlngon 

Vcfterday 
Yet 
Young 
Yellow 


•^ 


Petchilawgo 
jMiimewatcIt 
tVifconekiJJi 


The  Numerical  Terms  of  the  Chipeways. 


\M 


'WHk 

One 

ijl^M 

Two 

mm 

Three  , 

■jjid^m 

Four 

'^H 

Five 

'^^^ 

Six 

J^^^BLw^ 

Seven 

iHJH 

Eight 

1^9 

t^ine 

>  I^H^^^^BD 

;     •      Ten 

Eleven 

'  "^^H 

Twenty 

1  fl^l 

Thirty 

f  ^H| 

'  .f\        Forty 

f   '^9^^^l 

!■    «' 

1  '91 

f 

1  '^9B 

'■ 

ii  H'i^Hi 

f 

PaJJjik 

Ninch 

Nijfou 

Neau 

Naratt 

NingotttwaJJbu 

NiuchowaJJou 

Nijjowaffhu 
Shongqlfou 

Mittatijjou 

Mittaujjmi  Pajhik 

Ninchtawnaw 

Nijjou  Mittawnaw 

Neau  Mittawiaw 


Fifty 
Sixty 

Seventy 

Eighty 

Ninety 

Hundred 

Thoufand 


Naran  Mittawnaw 
C  Ningoiitwajfou  Mit' 
^     tawnaw 
<  Ninchowajfou   Mit- 
\     tawiaw 
C  Nijfowqlfoti  Mitt  aw- 
2,      naw 

^Shongaffou  Mittaw 
\     naw 

5  MittauJJou  Mittaw- 
t     now 

C  MittauJJiti  Mittau^- 
4  fou  A^ittawiKTw* 


A  Short  VOCABULARY  of  the  Naudo- 


weilie  Language, 


M  >  -^ft 


Axe 


Benver 
BulTalo 
bad 
Broach 
Bear,  a 


jfpjpaiv 

B     *; 

Chawhah 
s     Tawtongo 
She j  ah 

Muzahootoo 
irahkoujljcjah 


IVaahtoh 

Ma- hue:  ah 


Child,  a  Male    Wechoakfch 
Child,  a  Female   HliachcckjeU 
Cumc  here         Jccoo^oui^ure 


Dead 
Deer 
Dog 


Eat 

Kars 
Evci 
Evil 


iCcguJb 
Tvhivioh 

Skiugujhyi. 

E         #  ^ 

Echawmenaiv 

EpJtike 

She]  ah 

Fire 


i 


c 


Fire  <       Paahtah 

Father  Otah 

trench  mm       Neehteegujb 
Falls  of  Water  Owah  Menah 
Friend  Kitckiwah 


Good  ^ 
Give 
Go  SLWzy 


Wojltah 

jlccoo^eh 

jiccoowab 


177    ] 

Moon 

Mouth 

Medal 

Mine 

Milk 


No 

Neat 


God,  or  the  i^^^^^^ 


Great  Spirit 
Gun 
Great 
Gold 


Oh! 


Mitzah  Wakon 

Tonga 

Muzakam 


H 

Hear  Nookijhon 

Horfe  Slmetongo 

Home,  or  do- 1  j/,^^ 


Owceh 
Keh 

Muzah  Otah 
Me'wah 

Etfawboh 


N 

Heyah 
Jeejiinaw 

o 

Hopimyahle  ! 

r 


-i' 


*4 


Pipe  Slianuapaw 

Pipe  of  Peace  -^^^^""^^^w  H^a* 
kon 


R 


#' 


mellic 
Houfe 
Heaven 


Iron 
I,  or  ni« 


^4 

Teebee 
Wojhta  Tebee 


Muzah  ^% 
Meoh   ^ 


King, 
Kill 


or  Chief  Otah 

NeguJJjtauga^v 


Little 
Long 
Lake 

Love 


i 


Much 

^Xuie 


^   JeJiin 
Tongoom  ' 
Tonga  Meneh 
Ehwalimcali 

M     • 
Otah 


Rain 

Ring 

Round 


Smoke 
Saltwater 
See,  to 
Sleep 
Snake     '" 
Sun 
Spirit 

Spirituous  Li- 
quors 
Snow 
Surprizing 
Silver 


Tobacco 
Talk 
Tree 
I'hcrc 


Owah  Meneh 

Muzamchu^Qh 

Chupah 


S 


"^,.iW9i>  ,       J^. 


Shaweah 
Menis  Qtieah 
EJhtaw 
EJht^mo  ; 

Paahtah 
PTakon 

j  Meneh  Wakoii 

Sinnee 

Hopiniayars 

^uzahat^ 


^. 


■«*>.'■ 


ShawJaJJm  '  '■•"  ■ 
Owehchiti 
Ochaw 
DaihC' 


% 


^ 


n  al 


w 


'«m 


Woman 
Wonderful 
Water 
What 


[     178    1 


't 


W 


Wlnmkcjah 
JJopiniyare 
Meneh 
Taw  so 


Who  is  there?  Tawgodache^ 
Wicked  liephatchta 


$ 


# 


^     % 

You    r  -•        Chee  '*' 

Young  Ha\vpawiaw 

You  are  good  Wajhtah  Chee 
You  are  a  Spirit  ^aAom  Chee 
You  are  my  7  WaJJ.'tah  Kitchi' 
good  Friend  3      "^vah  Chee 
No  Good  He'jah  IVajhtah, 


-» 


Tbe  Numerical  Terms  of  the  NaudoweJJks^ 


!*■• 


mw 


i 


k' 


■^.c.^1 

«. 


One 

Two 

Three 

I'our 

Fi\re 

Six 

Seven 

Eight 

Nine 

Ten 

Eleven 

Twenty 

Thirty 


IVonchaw 

Noompaw 

Tav,>mone3 

Tohoh 

Sawbuttes 

Shawco 

Shawcopee 

Shnhindohin 

Nebochunganong 

Wegochunganong 

1  IVegochmgamng 

5      Wonchayv 

}  Wegochungamng 

5      Noompaw 

7  Wcgochiinga7ioi)g 

^  •  ICawmonee 


7  IVegochingamng 

7  Wegochunganong 
5      Sawbuttee 
7  Wegochunganong 
5      Shawco    ^ 
7  lVegochimga7iong 
3      Shawcopee 
7  Wegochunganong 
3      Shahindbhin 
7  Wegochunganong 
'"'3      Nebochunganong 
Hundred  Opohng 

Thoufand^  ^^^'r'(«"^5^"^"5 


Forty 

Fifty 

Sixty 

Seventy 

Eighty 

Ninety 


Opohng 


«' 


^t. 


To  this  fljort  vocabulary  of  the  Naudoweflle  language,  I  iliall 
adjoin  a  fpecimen  of  the  manner  in  which  they  unite  their  words. 
I  have  chofen  for  this  purpofe  a  fliort  fong,  which  they  ling, 
with  fome  kind  of  melody,  though  not  with  any  appearance  of 
poetical  mealure,  when  they  fet  out  on  their  hunting  expediti- 
ons :  and  have  given  as  near  a  tranflation  as  tlie  difference  of 
the  idioms  will  permit. 

Meob  accoowah  ejhtaw  paatah  negufljto.wgaw  flfejah  menah.  Tonga 
Wakon  mech  wafJjta,  paatah  accoowah.  HopUiijuhie  oweeh  accoo^ee 
meoh,  woJJ;ta  patah  otoh  tvbinjoh  msch  tcebcc. 

I  will  rife  before  the  fun,  and  afcend  yonder  hill,  to  fee  the 
new  light  chafe  away  the  vapours,  and  difperfe  the  clouds. 
Great  Spirit  give  me  fuccefs.  And  ivhen  the  fun  is  gone,  lend 
me,  oh  moon,  light  fulficient  to  guide  me  with  fafcty  back  to 
my  tent  loadeii  with  dccil 


\ 


t 


Cl^  AT  12 IV 


'i 


i  »7y  } 


-p-  -        ^!l 


CHAPTER     XVIIL    *" 


0/  the  Beasts,  Birds,  Fishes,  Reptiles, 
^«<^  Insects,  ivhich  are  found  in  the  inte- 
porWarts  of  North  America. 


OF;. thefe  I  fhall,  in  the  firft  place,  give  a  catalogue,  and 
afterwards  a  defcription  of  fuch  only  as  are  either  pecu- 
liar to  this  country,  or  which  differ  in  fome  material  point  from 
thofe  that  are  to  be  met  with  in  other  realms. 


OF    THE    BEASTS. 


ff. 


menah.    Tonga 
e  cweeh  accoo^ce 


The  Tygcr,  the  Bear,  Wolves,  Foxes,  Dogs,  the  Cat  offiie 
Mountain,  the  Wild  Cat,  the  Buffalo,  the  Deer,  the  Elk,  the 
Moofe,  the  Carrabou,  the  Carcajou,  the  Skunk,  the  roicu- 
pine,  the  Hedge-hog,  the  Wood-chuck,  the  Raccoon,  the  Mar- 
ten, the  Fifher,  the  Mirskquaw,  Squirrels,  Hares,  Rabbits,  the 
Mole,  tlie  Weczel,  the  Moufe,  tlie  Dormoufe,.  the  Beaver,  the 
jj)tter,  the  Mink,  and  Bats.  _ 

The  T  Y  G  E  R.  The  Tyger  of  America  refemlles  in 
fliape  thofe  of  Africa  and  Afia,  ^bjdti  is  confidetably  fmaller. 
Nor  does  it  appear  to  be  fo  fierce  and  ravenous  as  they  are. 
The  colour  of  it  is  a  darkilTi  fallow,  and  it  is  entirely  free  from 
fpots.  I  Caw  one  on  an  ifland  in  the  Chipeway  River,  of  which 
I  had  a  very  good  view,  as  it  was  at  no  great  diftance  from  me. 
It  fat  up  on  its  hinder  parts  like  a  dog;  and  did  not  fcem  either 
to  be  apprehenfive  of  our  approach,  or  to  difcover  any  raven- 
ous inclinations.  It  is  however  ve-ry  feldom  to  be  met  with  in 
this  part  o.f  the  world. 

Tne  BEAR.  Bears  are  very  numerous  on  this  continent, 
but  more  particularly  fo  in  the  northern  parts  of  it,  and  con- 
tribute to  furnifh  both  food  and  beds  for  almofl:  every  Indian 
nation.  Thofe  of  America  differ  in  many  rcfpects  from  thofe 
either  of  Greenland  or  Ruflia,  they  being  not  only  fomewhat 
fmaller,  but  timorous  and  inoffenfive,  unlefs  they  are  pinched 
by  hunger,  or  fn-ating  from  a  wound.  The  fight  of  a  ntin 
terrifies  them;  and  a  dog  will  put  feveral  to  Uiglit.  They  are 
extremely  fond  of  grapes,  and  will  climb  to  the  top  of  thebigh- 
eli  trees  in  quell  of  them.  This  kind  of  food  renders  their  flelli 
<.'5cccflivcly  rich  and  iinciy  flavoured^  audit  is  confcquently pre- 
ferred 


St 


i 


■^■i 


># 


I 


'Si 

raii 


f 


w^ 


•f 


ito   ) 


ferred  by  tHfe  Indians  and  traders  to  that  of  any  other  animal. 
The  fat  is  very  white,  and  befides  being  fweet  and  wholefome 
is  poflefled  of  one  valuable  quality,  which  is,  that  it  never 
cloys.  The  inhabitants  of  thefe  parts  conftantly  anoint  theiii- 
felves  with  it,  and  to  its  efficacy  they  in  a  great  meafure  owe 
their  agility.  The  feafon  for  hunting  the  bear  is  during  the 
winter ;  when  they  take  up  their  abode  in  hollow  trees,  or  make 
themfelves  dens  in  the  roots  of  thofe  that  are  blown  down,  the 
entrance  of  which  they  flop  up  with  branches  of  fir  that  lie 
fcattered  about.  From  thefe  retreats  it  is  faid  they  ftir  not 
whilft  the  weather  continues  fevere,  and  as  it  is  well  known 
that  they  do  not  provide  themfelves  with  food,  they  are  fup- 
pofed  to  be  enabled  by  nature  to  fubfifl  for  fome  months  with- 
out, and  during  this  time  to  continue  of  the  fame  bulk. 

The  WOLF.  The  wolves  of  North  America  are  much 
lefs  than  thofe  which  are  met  with  in  other  parts  of  the  world. 
They  have,  however,  in  common  with  the  reft  of  their  fpecies, 
a  wildneis  in  their  looks,  and  a  fiercenefs  in  their  eyes  i  not- 
withflanding  which,  they  are  far  from  being  fo  ravenous  as  the 
European  wolves,  nor  will  they  ever  attack  a  man,  except  they 
have  accidentally  fed  on  the  flelli  of  thofe  flain  in  battle.  When 
they  herd  together,  as  they  often  do  in  the  winter,  they  make 
a  hideous  and  terrible  noife.  In  thefe  parts  there  are  two  kinds; 
one  of  which  is  of  a  fallow  colour,  the  other  of  a  dun,  inclin- 
ing to  a  black. 

The  FOX.  There  are  two  forts  of  foxes  in  North  .Arae- 
r'ca,  which  differ  only  in  their  colour,  one  being  of  a  reddilTi 
brown,  the  other  of  a  grey;  thofe  of  the  latter  kind  that  are 
Tr'-nd  pear  the  river  MiflilTippi,  are  extremely  beautiful,  their 
hair  being  of  a  finefilver  grey. 

DOGS.  The  dogs  employed  by  the  Indians  in  hunting 
appear  to  be  ail  of  the  fame  fpecies;  they  carry  tiieir  ears  ere^l:, 
and  greatly  refemble  a  wolf  about  the  head.  They  are  exceed- 
ingly ufcful  to  them  in  their  hunting  excurfions,  and  will  attack 
the  fierced:  of  the  game  they  are  in  purfuitof.  They  are  alfo 
remarkable  for  their  fidelity  to  their  mailers;  but  being  ill  fed 
by  them,  are  very  troublerome  in  their  huts  (>r  tents. 

The  CAT  of  the  Mountain.  This  creature  is  in  fhape 
like  a  cat,  only  much  larger.  The  hair  or  fur  refcmbles  alfo  the 
skin  of  that  domeftic  animal;  the  colour  however  differs,  for 
the  former  is  of  a  reddil}i  or  orange  call,  but  grows  lighter 
near  the  belly.  The  whole  skin  is  beautified  with  black  ipots 
of  different  figures,  of  which  thpfe  on  the  back  are  long,  and 
thofe  on  the  lower  parts  round.  On  the  ears  there  arc  black 
ilripes.  This  creature  is  nearly  as  fierce  as  a  leopard,  but  will 
feldom  attack  a  man. 

'1  he   B  U  F  F  A  L  O.      This   beaft,    of  which  there  arc 


amazing  numbers  in  thele  parts,  is 


arger 


than  an  ox,  has  lliort 


blac;:  iiorns,  with  a  large  beard  under  bis  chin,  and  his  head  is 


LO 


.f     V- 


::!ir,    that 


'to 

it  fails 


over  his   eyes,  and  gives  him  a. 
,    ^^  frightful 


9 

A       *         * 


»^  frightful  loolr:  There  is  a  bunch  on  his  back  which  begins  at 
the  haunches,  and  increafing  gradually  to  the  fliouldcrs,  reaches 
on  to  the  neck.  Both  this  excrefcence  and  its  whole  body  are 
covered  with  long  hair,  or  rather  wool,  of  a  dun  or  moufe  co- 
lour, which  is  exceedingly  valuable,  efpecially  that  on  the  fore 
part  of  the  body.  Its  head  is  larger  than  a  bull's,  with  a  very 
ihort  neck ;  the  breaft  is  broad,  and  the  body  dccreafes  towards 
the  buttocks.  Thefe  creatures  will  run  away  at  the  fight  of  a 
,  inan,  and  a  whole  herd  will  make  off  when  they  perceive  a  fin- 
gle  dog.  The  flefh  of  the  buffalo  Is  excellent  food,  its  hide 
extremely  ufeful,  and  the  hair  very  proper  for  the  manufafture 
of  various  articles. 

The  DEER.  There  is  but  one  fpccles  of  deer  in  North 
America,  and  thefe  are  higher  and  of  a  flimmer  make  than  thoie 
in  Europe.  Their  fhape  is  nearly  the  fame  as  the  European, 
their  colour  of  a  deep  fallow,  and  their  horns  very  large  and 
branching.  This  beaft  is  the  fwiftcrt  on  the  American  plains^ 
and  they  herd  together  as  they  do  in  other  countries.       * 

The  ELK  greatly  exceeds  the  deer  in  fize,  being  in  bullc 
equal  to  a  horfe.  Its  body  is  iTiaped  like  that  of  a  deer,  only 
its  tail  is  remarkably  lliort,  being  not  more  than  three  inches 
long.  The  colour  of  its  hair,  which  is  grey,  and  not  unlike 
that  of  a  camel,  but  of  a  more  reddilh  caft,  is  nearly  three 
inches  in  length,  and  as  coarfe  as  that  of  a  horfe.  The  horns 
of  this  creature  grow  to  a  prodigious  fize,  extending  fo  wide 
that  two  or  three  perfons  might  fit  between  them  at  the  fame 
time.  They  are  not  forked  like  thofc  of  a  deer,  but  hayt^all 
their  teeth  or  branches  on  the  outer  edge.  Nor  does  the  form 
of  thofe  of  the  elk  refemble  a  deer's,  the  former  being  f^at,  and 
eight  or  ten  inches  broad,  whereas  the  latter  are  round  andcoii- 
fiderably  narrower.  1  hey  iTied  their  horns  every  year  in  the 
month  of  February,  and  by  Auguft  the  new  ones  are  nearly  at-" 
rived  at  their  full  growth.  Notwirhftanding  their  fize,  and  the 
means  of  defence  nature  has  furniflied  them  with,  they  are  *ds 
timorous  as  a  deer.  Their  skin  is  very  ufeful,  and  will  drcfs 
as  well  as  that  of  a  buck.  They  feed  on  grals  in  tlic  fummer, 
and  on  mofs  or  buds  in  the  winter. 

The  MOOSE  is  nearly  about  the  fize  of  the  elk,  and  the 
liorns  of  it  are  almoll  as  enormous  as  that  amimal's;  the  flciu 
of  them  however  are  not  quite  I'o  wide,  and  they  branch  on 
both  fides  like  thofe  of  a  deer.  This  creature  alfo  iTieds  them 
every  year.  Though  its  hinder  parts  are  vcryb;oad,  its  tail  is  not 
above  an  .incii  lo]]g.  It  has  feet  and  legs  like  a  camel;  its 
head  is  abou^  two  leet  long,  its  upper  lip  much  larger  than  the 
under,  and  thje  nolh-ils  of  it  are  fo  wide  that  a  mjn  might thrull 
his  hand  into  jthem  a  confiderable  way.     Tlie  hair  of  the  nioofc 


,   .'IS 


is  light  grey,   mixed  with  a  blackifh  red.     It  is  very  elaltic,  for 
though  it  be j  beaten  ever  fo  long,    it  will  retain  its  original 
ihape.      The 
aud  vcxy  nou 


ficih  is  exceeding  good  food,    ealy  of  digeltiun, 
Tlic  iiofe,  or  upper  lip,  which  is  hrgfi 

and 


■;*)i 


.ifliing. 


m 


'*;* 


I         i. 


k 


r  182  1 

an(3loore  from  the  f»um5,  is  eftcemcd  a  great  delicacy,^  being  of 
a  firm  confiftence,  between  marrow  aud  grilHe,  and  wlien  pro- 
perly dreflfed,  affords  a  rich  and  lufcioiis  dllTi.  Its  hide  is  very 
proper  for  leather,  being  thick  and  ftrong,  yet  foft  and  pliable. 
Tiie  pace  of  this  creature  is  always  a  trot,  wliich  is  fo  expediti- 
ous, that  it  is  exceeded  in  fwifinefs  but  by  few  of  its  fellow 
inhabitants  of  thefe  woods.  It  is  generally  found  in  the  forefls, 
where  it  feeds  on  raofs  and  buds.  Though  this  creature  is  of 
the  deer  kind,  it  never  herds  as  thofc  do.  Mod  authors  con- 
found it  with  the  elk,  deer,  or  carrabou,  but  it  is  a  fpecies  to- 
tally different,  as  might  be  difcovered  by  attending  to  the  de- 
fcrjption  I  have  given  of  each. 

The  CARRABOU.     This  beaft  is  not  near   fo  tall  as  thej 
moofe,  however  it  is  fomething  like  it  in  iTiape,  only  rather 
more  heavy,  and  Inclining  to  the  form  of  the  afs.      1  he  horns 
of  it  arc  not  flat  as  thofe  of  the  elk  are,  but   round  like  thofe 
of  the  deer,*  they  alfo  meet  nearer  together  at  the  extremities, 
and  bend  more  over  the  face,  than  either  thofe  of  the  elk  or 
nioofe.     It  partakes  of  the  fwiftncfs  of  the  deer,  and  is  witli 
difficulty  overtaken  by  its  purfuers.     The  fleljfi  of  it  likewife  \a 
equally  as  good,  the  tongue  particularly  is  in  high  eflcem.  The 
6kin  being  fmooth  and  free  from  veins,  is  as  valuable  aslTiamoy. 
The  CARCAJOU.     This  creature,  which  is  of  the  cat  kind, 
is  a  terrible  enemy  to  the  preceding  four  fpecies  of  beafls.  'Hcs 
cither  comes  upon  them  from  fome  concealment  unpcrceived, 
or  climbs  up  into  a  tree,  and  taking  his  Itation  On  fome  of  thcj 
branches,  waits  till  one  of  them,  driven  by  an  extreme  of  heat 
or  cold,  takes  llielter  under  it;  when  he  fattens  upon  his  neck, 
and  opening  the  jugular  vein,  foon  brings  his  prey  to  the  ground. 
This  he  is  enabled  to  do  by  his  long  tail,  with  which  he  en- 
circles the  body  of  hi:s  adverfary;  and  the  only  means  they  have 
-  to  iliun  their  fate,  is  by  flying  immediately  to  the  water ;  by  this 
method, 'as  the  carcajou  has  a  great  diilike  to  that  clement,  ha 
is  fometimes  got  rid  of  before  he  can  efFeft  his  purpofe. 

The  SKUNK.  Thi»  is  the  mort  extraordinary  animal  that 
the  American  woods  produce.  It  is  rather  lefs  than  a  pole  cat, 
■and  of  the  fame  fpecies,*  it  i^  therefore  often  miftaken  for  that 
creature,  but  it  is  very  different  from  it  in  many  points.  Its 
hair  is  long  and  lliining,  variegated  with  large  black  and  white 
fpots,  the  former  moflily  on  the  Ihoulders  and  rump;  its  tail  is 
very  bulTiy,  like  that  of  the  fox,  part  lilack,  and  part  white, 
like  its  body;  it  lives  chiefly  in  the  woods  and  hedges;  but  its 
extraordinary  powers  are  only  Iliewn  when  it  is  puiTued.  As 
foon  as  he  finds  himfelf  in  danger  he  ejefts,  to  a  great  dil^ance 
from  behind,  a  fmall  flream  of  water,  of  fo  fubtilc  a  nature, 
sand  at  the  fame  time  of  fo  powerful  a  fmell,  that  the  air  is  taint- 
ed with  it  for  half  a  mile  in  circumference ;  and  ihis  purfuers, 
whether  men  or  dogs,  being  almofl  fulfocated  with  the  flench, 
arc  obliged  to  give  over  the  purfuit.  On  this  a'ccount  he  is 
cillcd  by  the  French,  Enfant  du  Dlable,  the  Child  'M  the  Devil ; 
«    ■    ;  -  ,*  )  or 


It 


■A- J- '. 


C    183   ] 

t)t  BetePiiante,  the  Stinking  Bead.  It  is  almoft  impoflible  t9 
defcribe  the  noifomc  efFcds  of  the  liquid  with  which  this  crea- 
ture is  fupplicd  by  nature  for  its  defence.  If  a  drop  of  it  fall.4 
on  youv,  cloaths,  they  are  rendered  fo  difagreeable  that  it  ij> 
Imi^ofllble  ever  after  to  wear  them ;  or  if  any  of  it  enters  your 
eyelids,  the  pain  becomes  intolerable  for  a  long  time,  and  per- 
haps at  laft  you  lofeyour  fight.  The  fmellof  the  8kunk,  though 
thus  to  be  dreaded,  is  not  like  that  of  a  putrid  carcafe,  but  a 
ftrong  foetid  effluvia  of  musk,  which  difplcafes  rather  from  its 
penetrating'  power  than  from  its  naufcoufnefs.  It  is  notwith- 
ftanding  confidered  as  conducive  to  clear  the  head,  and  to  raifu 
the  fpirlts.  This  water  is  fuppofed  by  naturalifts  to  belts  urine ; 
but  I  have  diflc6ted  many  of  them  that  I  have  llhot,  and  have 
found  within  their  bodicj,  near  the  urinal  veflcl,  a  iinall  recep- 
tacle of  water,  totally  diflinft  from  the  bladder  which  contained 
the  urine,  and  from  which  alone  I  am  fatisriedthe  horrid  ftench 
proceeds.  After  having  taken  out  with  great  care  the  bag  where- 
in this  water  is  lodged,  I  have  frequently  fed  on  them,  and 
have  found  them  very  fweet  and  good;  but  one  drop  emitted 
taints  not  only  the  carcafe,  but  the  whole  houfe,  and  renders 
every  kind  of  provifions,  that  are  in  it,  unfit  for  ufe.  With 
great  jufticc  therefore  do  the  French  give  it  fuch  a  diabolical 
name. 

The  PORCUPINE.  The  body  of  an  American  porcupine  is 
in  bulk  about  the  fize  of  a  fmall  dog,  but  it  is  both  iTiorter  in 
length,  and  not  fo  high  from  the  ground.  It  varies  very  much 
fromthofe  of  other  countries  both  in  its  Oiape  and  the  length  of 
its  quills.  The  former  is  like  that  of  a  fox,  except  the  head, 
which  is  not  fo  lliarp  and  long,  but  refembles  more  that  of  a 
rabbit.  Its  body  is  covered  with  hair  of  a  dark  brown,  about 
four  inches  long,  great  part  of  which  are  the  thicknefs  of  a 
ftraw,  and  arc  ternied  its  quills.  Thefe  are  white,  with  black 
point^,  hollow,  and  very  Itrong,  cfpecially  thofe  that  grow  on 
the  back.  The  quills  ferve  this  crjp^ture  for  ofFcnfive  and  de- 
fenfive  w&apons,  which  he  darts  At  his  enemies,  and  if  they 
pierce  the  flclTi  in  the  Icaft  degree,  they  will  fink  quite  into  it, 
and  are  not  to  be  extraftcd  without  incifion.  The  Indians  ufj 
them  for  boring  their  cirs  and  nofes,  to  infert  their  pendant^ 
and  alfo  by  way  of  ornament  to  their  ftockings,  hair,  &c.  bc- 
fides  which  they  greativ  clleem  the  fleft. 

The  WOOD-CHUCK  is  a  ground  animal  of  the  fur  kind, 
about  the  fize  of  a  martin,  being  nearly  fifteen  inches  long;  if 
body  however  is  rounder,  and  his  legs  lliorter;  the  fore-paws 
of  it  are  broad,  and  confiruftcd  for  thepurpofe  of  digging  holes 
in  the  ground,  where  it  burrows  like  a  rabit;  its  IV.r  is  of  a 
grey  colour,  on  the  reddilli  cail:,  and  its  flefli  tolerable  food. 

The  RACOON  is  fomewhat  iefs  in  fize  than  a  beaver,  and  its 
feet  and  legs  are  like  thofe  of  that  creature,  but  fhort  in  pro- 
portion to  its  body,  v.'hich  refembles  that  of  a  badger.  Th-* 
fliapc  of  its  head  is  much  like  a  fox'p,  only  the  ears  are  iTiorter, 

more 


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more  round  and  naked;  and  its  hair  is  alfo  fimilar  to  thar  ani* 
ina!'s,  being  thick,  long,  foft,  and  black  at  the  ends.  On  its 
face  there  is  a  broad  ftripc  that  runs  acrofs  it,  and  includes  the 
eyes,  which  arc  large.  Its  mu/.zic  is  black,  and  at  the  end 
roundilh  like  that  of  a  dog;  the  teeth  arc  alfo  fimilar  tothofeof 
a  dog  in  number  and  lliapc,*  the  tail  is  long  and  round,  with  an- 
nular ftripcs  on  it  like  thofc  of  .;a  cat;  the  feet  have  five  long 
flender  toes,  anncd  with  iTiarp  claws,  by  which  it  is  enabled  to 
climb  up  trees  like  a  monkey,  and  to  run  to  the  very  extremi- 
ties of  the  boughs.  It,  makes  ufe  of  its  fore  feet,  in  the  man- 
ner of  hands,  and  feeds  itfelf  with  them.  The  flefii  of  this  crea- 
ture is  very  good  in  the  months  of  September  and  Oclobcr, 
when  fruit  and  nuts,  on  which  it  likes  to  feed,  are  plenty. 

The  MARTIN  is  rather  larger  than  a  fquirrel,  and  fome« 
what  of  the  fame  make,-  its  legs  and  claws  however  arc  confi- 
derably  iTiorter.  Its  ears  are  Ihort,  broad,  and  roundifii,  and 
its  eyes  lliine  in  the  night  like  thofe  of  a  cat.  The  whole  body 
is  covered  with  fur  of  a  brownilTi  fallow  colour,  and  there  are 
fome  in  the  more  northern  parts  which  are  black,"  the  skins  of 
ttie  latter  are  of  much  greater  value  than  the  others.  The  tail 
is  covered  with  long  hair,  which  makes  it  appear  thicker  than 
it  really  is.  Its  flelTi  is  fometimes  eaten,  but  is  not  in  any  great 
clleem. 

The  MUSQUASH,  or  MUSK-RAT,  is  fo  termed  for  the 
cxqulfite  musk  which  It  affords.  It  appears  to  be  a  diminutive 
of  the  beaver,  being  endowed  with  all  the  properties  of  that 
lagacious  animal,  and  wants  nothing  but  fizeandftrength,  being 
not  much  bigger  than  a  large  rat  of  the  Norway  breed,  to  rival 
the  creature  it  fo  much  refembles.  Was  it  not  for  its  tail, 
which  is  exaftly  the  fame  as  that  of  an  European  rat,  the  ftruc- 
ture  of  their  bodies  is  fo  much  alike,  cfpecially  the  head,  that 
it  might  be  taken  for  a  fmall  beaver.  Like  that  creature  it  builds 
itfelf  a  cabbin,  but  of  a  lefs  perfeft  conftruftion,  and  takes  up 
its  abode  near  the  fide  of  fpme  piece  of  water.  In  the  fpring 
they  leave  their  retreats,  and  in  pairs  fubfift  on  leaves  and  roots 
till  the  fummer  comes  on,  when  they  feed  on  ftrawberries,  raf- 
berries,  and  fuch  other  fruits  as  they  caft  reach.  At  the  ap- 
proach of  winter  they  feparate,  when  each  takes  up  its  lodging 
apart  by  itfelf  in  fome  hollow  of  a  tree,  where  they  remain 
quite  unprovided  with  food,  and  there  is  the  greatert  reafon  to 
believe,  fubfifl:  without  any  till  the  return  of  fpring. 

SQUIRRELS.  There  are  five  forts  of  fquirrels  in  America; 
the  red,  the  grey,  the  black,  the  variegated,  and  the  flying. 
The  two  former  are  exaiftly  the  fame  as  thoCe  of  Europe;  the 
black  are  fomcvvhat  larger,  and  differ  from  them  only  in  colour; 
the  variegated  dUo  refemble  them  in  lliape  and  figure,  but  are 
very  beautiful,  being  finely  fl:riped  with  white  or  grey,  and 
fometimes  with  red  and  black.  The  American  flying  fquirrel  is 
much  lefs  than  the  European,  being  not  above  five  inches  long, 
and  of  a  ruITct  grey  or  alli- colour  on  the  back,  and  white  on  the 

under 


tr\-' 


to  thaf  ani' 
ids.     On  it^; 

includes  the 

at  the  end 
ir  to  thofe  of 
ind,  with  an- 
ve  five  lon^; 
is  enabled  to 
cry  extrcmi- 
in  the  nian- 

of  this  crca- 
ind  Oaobcr, 
e  plenty. 
I,  and  fomc- 
cr  arc  conli- 
oundifh,  and 
;  whole  body 
ind  there  are 

the 'skins  of 
irs..    The  tail 

thicker  than 
t  in  any  great 

rmed  for  the 

a  diminutive 

irties  of  that 

rength,  being 

reed,  to  rival 

for   its  tail, 

at,  the  ftruc- 

lie  head,  that 

laturc  it  builds 

and  takes  up 

n   the  fpring 

ves  and  roots 

berries,  raf- 

At  the  ap- 

p  its  lodging 

they  remain 

lert  reafon  to 

• 

in  America ; 
Id  the  flying. 
I  Europe;  the 
(ily  in  colour; 
rure,  but  are 
[r  grey,  and 
]g  fquirrel  is 
inches  long, 
white  on  the 


/ 


t    Its    1 

Under  parts.  It  has  black  prominent  eyes,  like  thofe  of  thtf 
mottfe,  with  a  long  flat  broad  tail.  By  a  membrane  on  each 
fide  which  reaches  from  its  fore  to  its  hmd  legs,  this  creature 
is  enabled  to  leap  from  one  tree  to  another,  even  if  they  ftand 
a  confiderable  diftancc  apart ;  this  loofe  skin,  which  it  is  en- 
abled to  ftretch  out  like  a  fail,  and  by  which  it  is  buoyed  up,  is 
about  two  inches  broad,  and  is  covered  with  a  fine  hair  or  down. 
It  feeds  upon  the  fame  provlfions  as  the  others,  and  is  cafily 
tamed. 

The  BEAVER.  This  creature  has  been  fo  often  treated  of, 
and  his  uncommon  abilities  fo  minutely  defcribed,  that  any  fur- 
ther account  of  it  will  appear  unnecelTary;  however  for  thebc- 
nelit  of  thofe  of  my  readers  who  are  not  fo  well  acquainted  with 
the  form  and  properties  of  this  fagacious  and  uieful  animal",  I 
(hall  give  a  concilc  defcription  of  it.  The  beaver  is  an  amphi- 
bious quadruped,  which  cauiiot  live  for  any  long  time  in  the 
water,  and  it  is  laid  is  even  able  to  exift  entirely  without  it, 
pro>^ded  it  has  the  convenience  of  fometimes  bathing  itfelf. 
The  largeft  beavers  are  nearly  four  feet  in  length,  and  about 
fourteen  or  fifteen  inches  in  breadth  over  the  haunches ;  they 
weigh  about  fixty  pounds.  Its  head  Is  like  that  of  the  otter,  but 
larger ;  its  fnout  is  pretty  long,  the  eyes  fmall,  the  ears  fliort,  round, 
hairy  on  the  outlide,  and  fmooth  within,  and  its  teeth  very  long ; 
the  under  teeth  (land  out  of  their  mouths  about  the  breadth  of 
three  fingers,  and  the  upper  half  a  finger,  all  of  which  are  broad, 
crooked,  ftrong  and  iharp ;  befides  thofe  teeth  called  the  in- 
cifors,  which  grow  double,  are  fet  very  deep  in  their  jaws,  andi 
bend  like  the  edge  of  an  axe,  they  have  fixteen  grinders,  eight 
on  each  fide,  four  above  and  four  below,  direftly  oppofite  to 
each  other.  With  the  former  they  are  able  to  cut  down  trees 
of  a  confiderable  fize,  with  the  latter  to  break  the  hardcft  fub- 
ftances.  Its  legs  are  fhort,  particularly  the  fore  legs,  which  are 
only  four  or  five  inches  long,  and  not  unlike  thofe  of  a  badger; 
the  toes  of  the  fore-feet  are  fcparate,  the  nails  placed  obliquely, 
and  arc  hollow  like  quills;  but  the  hind  feet  are  quite  different, 
and  furnifhed  with  membranes  between  the  toes.  By  this  means 
it  can  walk,  though  but  llowly,  and  is  able  to  fwim  with  as 
much  cafe  as  any  other  aquatic  animal.  The  tail  has  fomewhat 
in  it  that  refcmbles  a  fifli,  and  feems  to  have  no  manner  of  re- 
lation to  the  reft  of  the  body,  except  the  hind  feet,  all  the  other 
parts  being  fimilar  to  thofe  of  land  animals.     The  tail  is  co- 

ivered  with  a  skin  furnillicd  with  f<^alcs,  that  arc  joined  together 
by  a  pellicle;  thcfe  fcales  arc  about  the  thicknefs  of  parch- 
ment, nearly  a  line  and  a  half  in  length,  and  generally  of  a 
hcxagonical  figure,  having  fix  corners;  it  is  about  eleven  or 
twelve  inches  in  length,  and  broader  in  the  middle,  waere  it  is 
four  inches  over,  than  either  at  the  root  or  the  extremity.  It 
is  about  two  inches  thick  near  the  body,  where  it  is  almoft 
round,  and  grows  gradually  thinner  and  flatter  to  the  end.  The 
«olo«r  of  the  beavei  ii  different  according  to  the  different  cli- 
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Photographic 

Sdences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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mites  in  which  it  is  Tound.  In  the  mod  northern  parts  thcjf 
arc  generally  quite  black ;  in  more  temperate,  brown ;  ihcir 
colour  becoming  lighter  and  lighter  as  they  approach  towards 
the  fouth.  The  fur  is  of  two  forts  all  over  the  body,  except 
at  the  feet,  where  it  is  very  fliort ;  that  which  is  the  longcft  is 
generally  in  length  about  an  inch,  but  on  the  back  it  fome- 
times  extends  to  two  inches,  gradually  diminiOiing  towards  tire 
head  and  tail.  This  part  of  the  fur  is  harih,  ooarfe,  and  fliin- 
ing,  and  of  little  ufe;  the  other  part  confifts  of  a  very  thick 
and  fine  down,  fo  foft  that  it  feels  almoft  like  ifilk,  about  three 
quarters  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  is  what  is  commonly  manu^ 
faflured.  Caflor,  which  is  ufeful  in  medicine,  is  produced 
from  the  body  of  this  creature ;  it  was  formerly  believed  to  be 
its  tefticlcs,  but  later  difcoveries  have  Ihown  that  it  is  con- 
tained in  four  bags,  fltuated  in  the  lower  belly.  Two  of  which, 
that  are  called  the  fuperior,  from  their  being  more  elevated 
than  the  otiiers,  are  filled  with  a  foft  refinous,  adhefive  matter* 
mixed  with  fn>all  fibres,  greyifh  without,  and  yellow  within,  of 
a  ftrong,  difagreeable,  and  penetrating  fcent,  and  very  infiam- 
mable.  This  is  the  true  caftoreum;  it  hardens  in  the  air,  and 
becomes  brown,  brittle,  and  friable. '  The  inferior  bags  con- 
tain an  unfluous  liquor  like  honey;  the  colour  of  which  is  a 
pale  yellow,  and  its  odour  fomewhat  different  from  the  other, 
being  rather  weaker  and  more  difagreeable;  it  however  thickens 
as  it  grows  older,  and  at  length  becomes  about  the  confiftcnce 
of  tallow.  This  has  alfo  its  particular  ufe  in  medicine;  but  it 
is  not  fo  valuable  as  the  true  caftoreum. 

The  ingenuity  of  thcfe  creatures  in  building  their  cabins,  and 
in  providing  for  their  fubfiftcnce,  is  truly  wonderful.  When 
they  are  about  to  chufe  themfelvcs  a  habitation^  they  afTemble 
in  companies  fometimes  of  two  or  three  hundred,  and  after  ma- 
ture deliberation  lix  on  a  place  where  plenty  of  proviflons,  ani 
all  nccefTaries  are  to  be  found.  Their  houfes  are  always  fltu- 
ated in  the  water,  and  when  they  can  find  neither  lake  nor  pond 
adjacent,  they  endeavour  to  fupply  the  defeft  by  flopping  the 
current  of  fome  brook  or  fmall  river,^by  means  of  a  caufeway 
or  dam.  For  this  purpofe  they  fet  about  felling  of  trees,  and 
they  take  care  to  chufe  out  thofe  that  grow  above  the  place 
where  they  intend  to  build,  that  theymight  fwimdown  with  the 
current.  Having  fixed  on  thofe  that  are  proper,  three  or  four 
beavers  placing  themfelves  round  a  large  one,  find  means  with 
their  ftrong  teeth  to  bring  it  down.  They  alfb  prudently  con* 
trive  that  it^fhall  fall  towards  the  water,  that  they  may  have  the 
Id's  way  to  carry  it.  AftCr  they  have  by  a  continuance  of  thc( 
fame  labour  and  induflry,  cut  it  into  proper  lengths,  they  roll 
thefe  into  the  water,  and  navigate  them  towards  the  place  wheri : 
•thc7  are  to  be  employed.  Without  entering  more  minutel|^,i<i  - 
to  the  meafures  they  piirfuc  in  the  eonftruclion  of  their  dams,  i\ 
WaU  only  remark,  that  having  prepared  a  kind  of  niottar  withf/ 
^ir  feet;  and  hid  it  on  with  their  uils,'  which  Uicy  haid -befov^! 

made{ 


m 


i»%- 


■[     187    1 

made  ufe  of  to  tranfport  it  to  the  place  where  it  is  icquifitev" 
they  conllrufb  them  with  as  much  folidity  and  regularity  as  tho 
raoft  experienced  workman  could  do.  The  formation  of  their 
cabins  is  no  lefs  amazing.  Thefe  arc  either  built  on  piles  i^ 
the  middle  of  the  fmall  lakes  they  have  thus  formed,  on  the 
bank  of  a  river,  or  at  the  extremity  of  fome  point  of  land  that 
advances  into  a  lake.  The  figure  of  them  is  round  or  oval, 
and  they  are  fafliioned  with  an  ingenuity  equal  to  their  dams. 
Two  thirds  of  the  edifice  (lands  above  the  water,  and  this  part 
is  fufficiently  capacious  to  contain  eight  or  ten  inhabitants. 
Each  beaver  has  his  place  afligned  him,  the  floor  of  which  he 
curioufly  ftrews  with  leaves,  or  imall  branches  of  the  pine  tree, 
fo  as  to  fender  it  clean  and  comfortable ;  and  their  cabins  are 
all  fituated  fo  contiguous  to  each  other,  as  to  allow  of  an  eaiy 
communication.  The  winter  never  furprizes  thele  animals  be- 
fore their  bufinefs  is  completed,*  for  by  the  latter  end  of  Sep- 
tember their  houfes  are  finiflied,  and  their  (lock  of  provifions 
are  generally  laid  in.  Thefe  confift  of  fmall  pieces  of  wood 
whofe  texture  is  foft,  fuch  as  the  poplar,  the  afpin,  or  willow, 
&c.  which  they  lay  up  in  piles,  and  difpofe  g£  in  fuch  manner 
as  to  preferve  their  moifture.  Was  I  to  enumerate  every  in- 
ftance  of  fagacity  that  is  to  be  difcovered  in  thefe  animals,  they 
would  fill  a  volume,  and  prove  not  only  entertaining  but  in- 
(Iruftive. 

The  OTTER.  This  creature  alfo  is  amphibious,  and  great- 
ly refembles  a  beaver,  but  is  very  different  from  it  in  many  re- 
fpefts.  Its  body  is  nearly  as  long  as  a  beaver's,  but  confidera- 
bly  lefs  in  all  its  parts.  The  muzzle,  eyes,  and  the  form  of  the 
head  are  nearly  the  fame,  but  the  teeth  are  very  unlike,  for  the 
otter  wants  the  large  incifors  or  nippers  that  a  beaver  has ;  in- 
ftead  of  thefe,  all  his  teeth,  without  any  diftinftion,  are  fhaped 
like  thofe  of  a  dog  or  wolf.  The  hair  alio  of  the  former  is 
not  half  fo  long  as  that  belonging  to  the  latter,  nor  is  the  co- 
lour of  it  exactly  the  fame,  for  the  hair  of  an  otter  under  the 
neck,  (lomach,  and  belly,  is  more  greyiih  than  that  of  a  bea- 
ver, •  and  in  many  other  refpefts  it  likewife  varies.  This  animal, 
which  is  met  with  in  moll  parts  of  the  world,  but  in  mucli 
greater  numbers  in  North  America,  is  very  mifchievous,  and 
when  he  is  clofely  purfued,  will  not  only  attack  dogs  but  men. 

It  generally  feeds  upon  filli,  efpecially  in  the  fummcr,  but  in 
the  winter  is  contented  with  the  bark  of  trees,  or  the  produce 
of  the  fields.  Its  flefh  both  tafles  and  fmells  of  fifh,  and  is  not 
wholcfome  food,  though  it  is  fometimes  eaten  through  ne- 
celTity. 

The  MINK  is  of  the  otter  kind,  and  fubfifls  in  the  fame  man- 
ner. In  lliape  and  fizc  it  refembles  a  pole-cat,  being  equally 
long  and  (lender.  Its  skin  is  blacker  than  that  of  an  otter,  or 
almofl  any  other  creature;  *^  as  black  as  a  mink,"  being  a  pro- 
verbial exprellion  in  America;  it  is  not  however  fo  valuable, 
though  this  greatly  depends  on  the  fcafon  in  which  it  is  tak- 
en. 


'.i*« 


w 


r  «M  )  . 

tn.  Its  tail  {s  roun(}  like  that  ^f  a  fnake,  but  growing  flattifli 
towards  the  end,  and  is  entirely  without  hair.  An  agreeable 
musky  fcent  exhales  from  its  body;  and  it  is  met  with  near  tiie 
fourccs  df  rivers,  on  whofe  banisjt  chiefly  lives.  ^^ 


i. 


OF     THE     BIRDS. 


The  Eagle,  the  Hawk,  the  Night  Hawk,  the  Fi(h  Hawk,  the 
Whipperwill,  the  Raven,  the  Crow,  the  Owl,  parrots,  the  Pe- 
lican, phe  Crane,  the  Stork,  the  Cormorant,  the  Heron,  the 
Swan,  the  Goofe,  Ducks,  Teal,  the  Loon,  the  Water-Hen,  the 
Turkey,  the  Heath  Cock,  the  Partridge,  the  Quail,  Pigeons,  the 
Snipe,  Larks,  the  Woodpecker,  the  Cuckoo,  the  Blue  Jay,  the 
Swallow,  the  Wakon  Bird,  the  Black  Bird,  the  Red  Bird,  the 
ThruA,  the  W|ietfaw,  the  Nightingale,  the  King  Bird,  the 
Robin,  the  Wren,  and  the  Humming  Bird. 


/'v 


The  EAGLE.  There  are  only  two  forts  of  eagles  in  theCe 
parts,  the  bald  and  the  grey,  which  are  much  the  fame  in  lize, 
and  fimilar  to  the  fhape  of  thofe  of  other  countries. 

The  NIGHT  HAWK.  This  Bird  is  of  the  hawk  fpecies,  its 
bill  being  crooked,  its  wings  formed  for  fwiftncfs,  and  its  {hape 
nearly  like  that  of  the  cotnaion  hawk;  but  in  iize  it  is  conlider- 
ably  lefs,  and  in  colour  rather  darker.  It  is  fcarcely  ever  feca 
but  in  the  evening,  when,  at  the  approach  of  twilight,  it  flie« 
about,  and  darts  itfelf  in  wanton  gambols  at  the  head  of  the 
belated  traveller.  Before  a  thunder-lTiower  thefe  birds  are  feen 
at  an  amazing  height  in  the  air  aUcmblcd  together  m  great  num- 
bers, as  fvvallows  are  obferved  to  do  on  the  fame  occalion. 

The  WHIPPERWILL,  or,  as  it  is*  termed  by  the  Indians, 
the  Muckawifs.  This  extraordinary  bird  is  fomewhat  like  the 
laft-mentioned  in  its  Ihapc  and  colour,  only  it  has  fome  whitifli 
ftripes  acrofs  the  wings,  and  like  that  is  feldom  ever  fccn  till 
after  fun-fct.  It  alfo  is  never  met  with  but  during  the  fpring 
and  fummcr  months.  As  foon  as  the  Indians  are  informed  by 
its  notes  of  its  return,  they  conclude  that  the  froft  is  entirely 
gone,  in  which  they  are  feldom  deceived;  and  on  receiving  this 
affurance  of  milder  weather,  begin  to  fow  their  corn.  It  ac- 
quires its  name  by  the  noife  it  makes,  which  to  the  pcopl"'  of 
the  colonics  founds  like  the  name  they  give  it,  Whipper  ..ill; 
to  an  Indian  car  Mutk-a-wifs.  The  words,  it  is  true,  dre  not 
alike,  but  in  this  manner  they  ftrikc  the  imagination  of  each; 
and  the  circumftancc  is  a  proof  that  the  fame  founds,  if  they  arc 
not  rendered  certain  by  being  reduced  to  the  rulcii  of  orthogra- 

piiy. 


.feji*;-, 


^'  I  189  1 

phy,  rfilght  convey  different  Ideas  to  different  people.  As  foon 
as  night  comes  on,  thcfc  birds  will  place  thcmfclves  on  the 
fences,  flumps,  or  ftoncs  that  lie  near  feme  hoiifc,  and  repeat 
.'their  melancholy  notes  without- any  variation  till  midnight.  The 
Indians,  and  fome  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  back  fcttlcmcnts, 
think  if  this  bird  perches  upon  any  houfe,  that  it  betokens  fome 
milTiap  to  the  inhabitants  of  it. 

The  FISH  HAWK  greatly  rcfcmblcs  the  latter  in  its  fhaptr. 
and  receives  his  name  from  his  food,  which  is  generally  Wih; 
'  it  skims  over  the  lakes  and  rivers,  and  fometimes 'fccms  to  lie 
expanded  on  the  water,  as  he  hovers  10  clolo  to  it,  and  having 
by  fome  attraftivc  power  drawn  the  filh  within  its  reach,  darts  • 
fuddcnly  upon  them.  The  clarm  it  makes  ufc  of  is  fuppofcd  to 
be  an  oil  contained  in  a  fmall*ag  in  the  body,  and  which  natilre 
has  by  fome  means  or  other  fupplicd  him  with  the  power  of  ufin^ 
for  this  purpofc;  it  is  however  very  certain  that  any  bait  touclv 
«d  with  a  drop  of  the  oil  collc(5fced  from  this  bird  Is  an  irrefilli- 
ble  lure  for  all  forts  of  filh,  and  infures  the  angler  great  fuccefs. 

The  OWL.  The  only  fort  of  owls  that  is  found  on  the 
banks  of  the  Miffiflippi  is  extremely  beautiful  in  its  plumage, 
being  of  a  line  deep  yellow  or  gold  colour,  pleafingly  Ihadcd 
and  fpotted. 

The  CRANE.  There  is  a  kind  of  crane  in  thefe  parts,  which 
is  called  by  Father  Hennepin  a  pelican,  that  is  about  the  fize  of 
the  European  crane,  of  a  greyilTi  colour,  and  with  long  legs; 
but  this  fpecies  differs  from  all  others  in  its  bill,  which  is  about  ,... 
twelve  inches  long,  and  one  inch  and  half  broad,  of  which 
breadth  it  continues  to  the  end,  where  it  is  blunted,  and  ioun<i 
like  a  paddle^  its  tongue  is  of  the  fame  length. 

DUCKS.  Among  a  variety  of  wild  ducks,  the  different  fpc- 
Cies  of  whjch  amount  to  upwards  of  fcventy,  1  lliall  coniine  my 
dcfcriptioii  to  one  fort,  that  is,  the  wood  duck,  or,  as  the 
French  term  it,  Canard  branchus.  This  fowl  receives  its  nam6 
from  its  frequenting  the  woods,  and  perching  on  ih#  branches 
of  trees,  which  no  other  kind  of  water  fowl  (a  charaftcriftic 
that  this  dill  preferves)  is  known  to  do.  It  is  nearly  of  a  fize 
with  other  ducks;  its  plumage  is  beautifully  variegated,  and  veiy 
brilliant.  The  flelli  ©f  it  alfo,  as  it  feeds  but  little  on  lifli,  is 
linely  fiavoured,  and  much  fuperior  to  any  other  fort. 

The  TEAL.  I  have  already  remarked  in  my  Journal,  that 
the  teal  found  on  the  Fox  River,  and  the  head  branches  of  the 
Miffjfllppi,  are  perhaps  not  to  be  equalled  for  the  fatnefs  and 
delicacy  of  thei«i»iiel'h  by  any  other  in  the  world.  In  coloui, 
fhape,  and  fize  they  arc  very  little  different  from  thofe  found  ia 
other  countries. 

The  LOON  is  a  water  fowl,  fomcwhat  lefs  than  a  teal,  and 
is  a  fpecies  of  the  dobchick.     Its  wings  are  iliort,  aud  its  leg:; 
an4  feet  large  in  proportion  to  the  body;  the  colour  of  it  is  a 
^ark  brown,  nearly  approaching  to  black;  ai]d  as  it  feeds  only 
m  fiih,   the  flclh  of  it  is  very  ill  flavoured.     Thei'j  M-d^  are-;. 

c.>:ceed».'. 


>%■■ 


T' 


m 


.;* 


.4 


*^:ccdingly  nimble  and  expert  at  diving,  fo  that  it  is  almoft  inr-' 
pofllble  for  one  perfon  to  iTioot  them,  as  they  will  dcxtroufly 
avoid  the  iliot  by  diving  before  they  reach  them;  fo  that  it  re- 
quireb  three  perfonsto  kill  one  of  them,  and  this  can  only  be 
done  the  moment  it  raifes  his  head  out  of  the  water  as  it  returns 
to  the  lurface  after  diving.  It  however  only  repays  the  trouble 
taken  to  obtain  it,  by  the  excellent  fport  it  afford*. 

The  PARTRIDGE.  There  are  three  forts  ot  partridges 
here,  the  bjown,  the  red,  and  the  black,  the  firft  of  which  are 
moft  efteemcd.  They  are  all  much  larger  than  the  European 
partridges,  being  nearly  the  fize  of  a  hen  pheafant,-  their  head 
and  eyes  are  alfo  like  that  bird,  and  they  have  all  long  tails, 
T\''h!ch  they  Ipread  like  a  fan,  but  not  ereft;  but  contrary  to  the 
curtom  of  thcjfe  in  other  countries,  they  will  perch  on  the 
branches  of  the  poplar  and  black  birch,  on  the  buds  of  which 
they  feed  early  in  the  morning  and  in  the  twilight  of  the  even- 
ing during  the  winter  months,  ^hen  they  are  eafily  Ihot. 

The  WOOD  PIGEON,  is  nearly  the  fame  as  ours,  and  there 
is  fuch  prodigious  quantities  of  them  on  the  banks  of  the  Mif- 
fiffippi,  that  they  will  fomctimes  darken  the  fun  for  feveral  mi- 
nutes, -m'       '  ., 

The  WOODPECKEll.  This  is  a  \%ry  beautiful  bird ;  there 
Js  one  fortwhcfe  feathers  are  a  mixture  of  various  colours;  and 
another  that  is  brown  all  over  the  body,  except  the  head  and 
tieck,  which  are  of  a  line  red.  As  this  bird  is  fuppofed  to  make 
a  greater  noifc  than  ordinary  at  particular  times,  it  is  conjcftur- 
ed  his  cries  then  denote  rain. 

The  BLUE  JAY.  This  bird  is  fhaped  nearly  like  the  Euro- 
pean jay,  only  that  its  tail  is  longer.  On  the  top  of  its  head 
'i>  a  crell:  of  blue  feathers,  which  is  raifed  or  let  down  at  pfea- 
fure.  The  lower  part  6f  the  neck  behind,  and  thp  back,  arfe 
of  a  purplifli  colour,  and  tlic  upper  fides  of  the  wings  and  tail, 
as  well  as  the  lower  part  of  the  back  and  rump,  are  of  a  fine 
b^e  ;  thd  extremities  of  the  wings  are  blackilli,  faintly  tinftur- 
cd  with  dark  blue  on  the  edges,  whilft  the  other  parts  of  the 
v/ing  are  barred  acrofs  with  black  in  an  elegant  manner.  Upon 
the  whole  this  bird  can  fcarccly  be  exceeded  in  beauty  by  any 
.  of  the  winged  inhabitants  of  this  or  othftr  climates.  It  has  the 
fame  jetting  motion  that  jays  generally  have,  and  its  cry  is  far 
more  pleafing. 

The  WAKON  BIRD,  as  it  is  termed  by  the  Indians,  appears 
to  be  of  the  fame  fpecics  as  the  birds  of  paradile.  The  name 
rbey  have  giv  in  it  is  cxprefllve  of  its  fiiperior  excellence,  and 
the  veneration  they  have  for  it;  the  wakon  bird  being  in  their 
language  the  bird  of  the  Great  Spirit.  It  is  nearly  the  fize  of  a 
fwallow,  of  a  brown  colour,  Ihaded  about  the  neck  with  a 
brigfit  green;  the  wings  are  of  a  darker  brown  than  the  body; 
its  tiil  is  tompofed  of  four  or  five  feathers,  which  are  throe 
times  as  long  as  its  body,  and  which  are  beautifully  fhaded  with 
gvecn  and  purx^lc.    It  carries  this  fine  Jength  of  plumage  in  they 

fame  \^ 


^ 


\, 


^        i    At 


fame  manntr  as  a  peacock  docs,  but  it  is  not  known  whether  It 
ever  raifes  it  into  the  ereSt  pofition  that  bird  foinetipies  docs, 
^evcr  faw  any  of  thefc  birds  in  the  colonies,  but  the  Naudo- 
^Jppflic  Indians  caught  feveral  of  them  when  I  wasiin  their  coun- 
try, and  feemed  to  treat  them  as  if  they  were  of  a  fupcrior 
rank  to  any  other  of  the  feathered  race. 

The  BLACK  BIRD.  There  are  three  forts  of  birds  in  North 
America  that  bear  this  name;  the  firft  is  the  common,  or  as  it 
is  there  termed,  the  crow  blackbird,  which  is  quite  black,  and 
of  the  fime  fize  and  fhape  of  thofe  in  Europe,  but  it  has  not 
<hat  melody  in  its  notes  which  they  have.  In  the  month  of 
Eeptonber  this  fort  fly  In  large  flights,  and  do  great  mifchlef  to 
the  Indian  com,  which  Is  at  that  time  juft  ripe.  The  fecond 
fort  is  the  red-wing,  which  is  rather  fmaller  thito  the  fiift  fpc- 
cics,  but  like  that  it  is  black  all  over  its  body,  except  on  the 
lofirr  rim  of  the  wings,  where  it  is  of  a  fine  bright  full  fcarlet. 
It  builds  its  neft,  and  chiefly  reforts  among  the  fmall  bulTxes  that 
'grow  in  meadows  and  low  fwampy  places.  It  whiftles  a  few 
notes,  but  Is  not  equal  in  Its  fong  to  the  European  blackbird. 
The  third  fort  is  of  th6  fame  fize  as  the  latter,  and  is  jet  blaci; 
like  that,  but  all  the  upper  part  of  the  wing,  j\\{^  below  the 
back,  Is  of  a  line  clear  white;  as  if  nature  intended  to  diverfify 
the  fpecies,  and  to  atone  for  the  want  of  a  melodious  pipe  by 
the  beauty  of  its  plumage;  for  this  alio  is  deficient  in  its  mufi- 
cal  powers.  The  beaks  of  every  fort  are  of  a  full  yellow,  and 
the  females  of  each  of  a  rufty  black  like  the  European. 

The  RED  BIRD  is  about  the  fize  of  a  fparrow,  but  with  a 
long  tail,  and  is  all  over  of  a  bright  vermilion  colour.  I  law 
many  of  thorn  about  the  Ottawaw  Lakes,  but  I  could  not  learn 
that  they  Tung.  I  alio  obferved  in  ibme  other  parts,  i.  bird  of 
much  the  fame  make,  that  was  quircly  of  a  fine  yellow. 

The  WHETSAW  is  of  the  cuckoo  kind,  being  like  tijat,  a 
folitary  bird,  and  fcarcely  ever  fecn.  in  the  fummer  months  14;, 
is  heard  In  the  groves,  where  it  makcs^a  noif*;  like  the  iiling  of 
a  faw ;  from  which  it  receives  Its  name. 

The  KING  BIRD  is  like  a  fwallow,  and  feems  to  be  of  the 
fame  fpecies  as  the  black  martin  or  Avift.  It  is  called  the  Kini: 
Bir4,becaule  it  is  able  to  mafter  almoft  every  bird  that  flics.  I 
have  often  feen  it  bring  down  a  hawk. 

The  HUMMING  BIRD.  This  beautiful  bird,  which  is  tho^ 
fnialleft  ot  the  feathered  inhabitants  of  the  air,;  is  about  tb|s 
third  part  the  fize  of  a  wren,  and  is  fhapcd  extremely  like  i^ 
Its  legs,  which  are  about  an  inch  long,  appear  like  two  fmaii 
needles,  and  its  body  is  proportionable  to  them.  Buf  its  plum,- 
:  age  exceeds  defcription.  On  its  head  it  has  a  fmall  tuft  of  <i 
jetty  Ihining  black;  the  breaft  of  it  is  red,  the  belly  white,  thcr 
back,  wings,  and  tail  of  the  fineft  pale  green;  and  fmall  fpecks 
of  gold  arc  fcattered  with  inexpreilible  grace  over  the  whole  : 
l?efides  this,  an  ahnolT;  imperceptible  down  foftens  the  colours, 
\sind  produces  the  moft  ^leafing  Diadct;.    With  its  bill,  which  is 

.*  ■  •*  '      "  ' 


'^. 


■m 


^■■^ 


'\ 


[     X5>2     1 

of  the  fame  diminutive  CvAc  a,'?  the  other  parts  of  its  body,  it  CK- 
trafts  fromilK  Howcrs  a  moirturc  which  is  its  nouriflimcnt;  over 
fihcfc  it  hovcjTs  h'kc  a  bee,  but  never  h'ghts  on  them,  moving  at 
the  f;ime  timtf  its  wings  with  fuch  velocity  that  the  motion  «f 
them  is  imperceptible;  notwithftanding  which  they  make  a  buift* 
Cling  noife,  from  whence  it  receives  its  name. 


? 


Of  the  F I  S  li  E  S   nvhich  are  \  found  in  the 
ivaters  of  the  MiJ/i//ij>pL  *" 


» ♦ 


1  have  aheady  given  a  defcription  of  thofc  that  are  taken  l^ 

'^         Che  greac  lakes. 

•»  .  •  • 

The  Sturgeon,  the  Pout  or  Cat  Fifh,  the  Pike,  the  Carp,  and 
the  Chub. 


The  STURGEON.    The  frefli  water  fturgeon  is  fliaped  in 
•  no  other  refpeft  like  thofc  taken  near  the  fca,    except  in  tlie 
formation  of  its  head  and  tail;  which  are  fafhioned  in  the  fame 
manner,  but  the  body  is  not  fo  angulated,  nor  are  there  {o  ma- 
ay  horny  fcalcs  about  it  as  on  the  latter.  "  Its  length  is  general- 
ly about  two  feet  and  a  half  or  three  feet  long,  but  in  circum- 
ference not  proportionable,   being  a  flender  filh.     The  flcfh  is 
exceedingly  delicate  and  hni^  flavoured;  I  caught  fome  in  the 
head  waters  of  the  river  St.  Croix  that  far  cxceededtrout.   The 
^f'   i      manner  of  taking  them  is  by  watching  them  as  they  lie  under  the 
V,j,       banks  in  a  clear  ftream,  and  darting  at  them  with  a  fifli-fpear  ; 
•^        for  they  will  not  take  a  bait.     There  is  alfo  in  the  Mifliffippi, 
\      and  there  only,  another  fort  than  the  fpecics  I  have  defcribed, 
which  is  fimilar  to  it  in  every  refpcft,  except  that  the  upper 
jaw  extends  fourteen  or  fifteen  inches,  beyond  the  under;  this 
extenfive  jaw,  which  is  of  a  griftly  fubrtance,  is  three  inches 
V^    \and  a  half  broad,  and  continues  of  that  breadth,  fomewhat  in 
y.       )the  fhape  of  an  oar,   to  the  end,  which  is  flat.    The  fiefli  of 
■/  /this  fjlTi,  however,  is  not  to  be  compared  with  the  other  fort, 

,and  is  not  fo  much  efleemed  even  by  the  Indians.  i 

^  The  CAT  FISH.  This  lifli  is  about  eighteen  inches  long; 
of  a  brownifli  colour  and  without  fc^les.  It  has  a  large  round 
head,  from  whence  it  receives  its  name,  on  different  parts  of 
which  grow,  three  or  four  fl:rong  (harp  hollis  about  two  inches 
long.  Its  fins  are  alfo  very  bony  and  flrong,  and  without  great 
/care  will  pierce  the  hands  of  thofc  who  take  thera.    It  weighs 

w,   ...  ,.,,  coa\}nQnljf 


««'■ 


■■^ 


t    193    1 

commonly  about  five  o;  fix  pounds  ,•  the  fiefli  of  it  is  exceflivelj* 
fat  and  lufcious,  and  greatly  rcfcmbles  that  of  an  eel  in  its  fla- 
vour. 

:*  The  CARP  and  CHUB  are  much  the  fame  as  thofe  in  England 
fifid  nearly  Ibout  the  fame  in  fize.  * 


OF      SERPENTS. 


The  Rattle  Snake,  the  Long  Black  Snake,  the  Wall  or  Houfe  \ 
Adder,  the  Striped  or  Garter  Snake,  the  Water  Snake,  the  Hif* 
finffSnake,  the  Green  Snake,  the  Thorn-tail  Snake,  the  Speck- 
Icd^nake,  the  Ring  Snake,  the  Two-headed  Snake. 


The  RATTLE  SNAKE.     There  appears  to  be  two  fpecics 
of  this  reptile ;  one  of  which  is  commonly  termect  the  Black, 
and  the  other  the  yellow;  and  of  thefe  the  latter  is  generally 
confidered  as  the  largeft.     At  their  full  growth  they  are  upwards 
of  five  feet  long,  and  the  middle  part  of  the  body,  at  which  it 
is  of  the  greateft  bulk,  meafures  about  nine  inches  round.  From 
that  part  it  gradually  decreafes  both  towards  the  head  and  the 
tail.     The  neck   is  proportionably  very  fmall,  and  the  head 
broad  and  deprefled.     Thefe  are  of  a  light  brown  colour,  the 
iris  of  the  eye  red,  and  all  the  upper  part  of  the  body  brown, 
mixed  with  a  ruddy  yellow,  and  chequered  with  many  regular 
lines  of  a  deep  black,  gradually  leading  towards  a  gold  colour. 
In  fliort  the  whole  of  this  dangerous  reptile  is  very  beautiful, 
and  could  it  be  viewed  with  lefs  terror,  fuch  a  variegated  ar- 
rangement of  colours  would  be  extremely  pleafing.     But  thefe 
are  only  to  be  feen  in  their  higheft  perfeftion  at  the  time  this 
creature  is  animated  by  refentment;  then  every  tint  rulTies  from 
its  fubcutaneous  recefs,  and  gives  the  furface  of  the  skin  a 
deeper  (lain.     The  belly  is  of  a  palilli  blue,  which  grows  fuller 
as  it  approaches  the  fides,  and  is  at  length  intermixed  with  the 
colour  of  the  upper  part.     The  rattle  at  its  tail,  from  which  ic 
receives  its  name,  is  compofed  of  a  firm,  dry,  callous,  or  hor- 
ny fubftance  of  a  light  brown,  and  confills  of  a  number  of  cells 
which  articulate  one  within  another,  like  joints ;  and  which  in- 
creafc  every  year,  and  make  known  the  age  of  the  creature. 
Thefe  articulations  being  very  loofe,  the  included  points  Itrike 
againft  the  inner  furface  of  the  concave  parts  or  rings  into  which 
they  are  admitted,  and  as  the  fnake  vibrates,  or  fliakes  its  tail, 
makes  a  rattling  noife.     This  alarm  \t  always  gives  when  it  is 
apprehenfive  of  danger;  and  in  an  inftant  after  forms  itfelf  into 
a  fpiral  wreath,  in  the  centre  of  which  appears  the  head  ere(^, 
and  breathing  forth  vengeance  againft  eitlicr  man  or  beaft  that 
.      '    I*.      Bb  ftali 


♦f"' 


s,;j,. 


.i,Cii.'i>iS'..'^ 


1   I^'t   1 

fl>all  Hare  to  qpme  near  it.  In  thi.i  attitude  j-.c  awaifs  the  np- 
pro;u-h  of  I'li:  cnciti'ics,  raillinj^  his  tail  as  he  fees  or  hears  them 
fominj;  oil.  Hy  this  tiiivei^  intiinatioii,  which  heaven  fceins  to 
htive  provided  as  a  means  lo  lountcract  tlie  mifchief'  this  vcne«> 
niuiis  reptile  would  otherwiie  be  perpetrator  of,  the  unwary 
fiaveller  is  apprized  of  his  danger,  and  has  an  opportunity  of 
avoidiiTf^  it.  It  is  Iiowsver  to  be  obferved,  that  it  neyer  afts 
otfenlivc'ly,"  ii  neither  piulues  or  flics  from  any  thing  that  ap- 
proaclie,->  it,  but  lies  in  tiie  pofition  delcribcd,  rattling  his  tail 
as  if  reludant  to  hurt.  The  teeth  with  wliich  this  ferpcnt  ef- 
fects his  poifoncis  purpol'es  arc  not  thofe  he  mahes  ufc  of  on 
ordinary  occafions,  tlicy  arc  only  two  in  number,  very  fmall 
and  iTiarp  pointed,  and  lixed  in  a  finewy  fubftancc  that  lies  near 
the  extremity  of'the  upper  jaw,  rcTemblinj;  the  claws  of  a  cat; 
at  the  root  of  each  of  thefe,  wbicli  might  be  extended,  con- 
tracked,  or  entirely  hidden,  as  need  requires,  arc  two  fulfil 
bladders  which  nature  has  fo  conlhucled,  that  at  the  fame  in- 
llunt  an  infiHon  is  made  by  the  teeth,  a  drop  of  a  greenifh  poi- 
fonous  liquid  enters  the  wound,  and  taints  ^vith  its  deflruflivc 
quality  the  whole  mafs  of  blood."  In  a  motflent  the  unfortuntitc 
virtini  of  its  wrath  feels  a  chilly  tremor  run  through  all  his  frame; 
a  fwelling  immediately  begins  on  the  fpot  where  the  teeth  had 
entered,  which  fprends  by  degrees  over  the  whole  body,  and 
produces  on  every,  part  of  the  skin  the  variegated  hue  of  the 
fnake.  The  bite  of  this  reptile  is  more  or  lefs  vcnemous,  ac- 
cording to  tlie  fcafon  of  the  year  in  which  it  is  given.  In  the 
dog-dars  it  oi'ten  proves  inrtantiy  mortal,  and  efpecialiy  if  the^ 
woimd  is  made  among  the  finews  fituatcd  in  the  back  part  of' 
the  leg,  above  the  heel;  but  inthc  fpring,  in  autumn,  or  during 
a  cool  day  which  miglit  happen  in  the  fummer,  its  bad  cfFedls 
are  to  be  prevented  by  the  immediate  application  of  proper  re- 
medico;  and  tlicfe  Providence  hasboimteoufly  fupplied,  bycauf- 
ing  the  Rattle  Snake  Plantain,  an  approved  antidote  to  the  poi- 
fon  of  this  creature,  to  grow  in  great  profufion  where-cverthey 
are  to  be  met  with.  There  are  likcwife  feveral  other  remedies 
befides  this,  for  the  venom  of  its  bite.  A  decodiion  made  of 
the  buds  or  bark  of  the  white  a£h,  taken  internally,  prevents 
it^'  pernicious  effecls.  Salt  is  a  newly  difcovered  remedy,  and 
if  applied  immediately  to  the  part,  or  the  wound  be  wafhcd 
with  brine,  a  cure  might  be  allured.  The  fat  of  the  reptile  al- 
fo  rubbed  on  it  is  frequently  found  to  be  very  efficacious.  But 
though  the  lives  of  the  perfons  who  have  been  bitten  might  be 
preferved  by  thefc,  and  their  health  in  fome  degree  rcftored, 
yet  they  annually  experience  a  flight  return  of  the  dreadfttl  fymp- 
corns  about  the  time  they  received  the  inflillation.  However  re- 
markable it  may  appear  it  is  certain,  that  though  the  venom  of 
this  creature  affccti^  in  a  greater  or  lefs  degree  all  animated  na- 
ture, the  hog  is  aii  exception  to  tl:e  rule,  as  that  animal  will  ^ 
readily  dellroy  them  v.ithout  dreading  their  poifonous  fangs, 
3Hd  fattca  oir^ioii^jle^.  It  h^^  bi^h  oftoo  obi^rved,  and  I 
^r-  ■'■  ■^     .  f.^/^-  can 


^ 


t     JP5     3 

ran  continw  '   c  obfcrvation,  that  the  Rattle  Snake  !;;  cliaru'd 
with  any  harmonious  foinuls,  whether  voc;iL4-)r  f'nilriiuuMir;il  ■  1 
have  many  times  fccn  them,  even  when  liicy  Ikivc  hcai  cnraaeJ 
place  tlicmfeivcs  into  aiiaening  pofhirj,  and  continue  iiumuvc- 
ably  attenilve  and  futccptiblc  of  dch'^'ht  all  the  time  the  mulir 
has  lafled.     I  Ihould  have  lemarlvcd,  that  when  the  Rattle  Snal-o 
bites,  it  drops  its  under  jaw,  and  liolding  the  upper  jaw  ercd, 
throws  itfelf  in  a  curve  hue,  with  f^rcat  force,  and  a.  quick  as 
lightning,  on  the  object  of  its  refeiumeiit.     Jn  a  moment  alter. 
it  returns*again  to  its  defenfive  pollure,  having  iljfenjrja^'cd  it] 
teeth  from  the  wound  with  great  celerity,  by  means  of  ilic  po. 
"fition  in  whiai  it  had  placed  its  licad  when  it  made  the  attacl.. 
It  never  extends  itfelf  to  a  greater  diftance  than  half  its  Icn^'tli 
will  reach,  and  though  it  fometimes  repeats  the  blow  two  or 
three  times,  it  as  often  returns,  with  a  fuddcn  rebound  to  its 
foriiTcr  ftatc.     'I  he   IMack  Ratflc  Snake  dilFcrs  in  no  other  re 
fpcft 'from  the  yellow,  than  in  being  rather  fmaller,  and  in  the 
variegation  of  its  colours,  which  are  exadly  revcricd :  one  is 
black  where   the  other  is  yellow,  and  vice  vcrfa.     They  are 
equally  venemous.     It  is  not  known  how  thefe  creatures  en  "en 
der;  I  have  often  found  the  eggs  of  feveral  other  fpccies  of 
the  fnakc,  but  notwithftanding  no  one  has  taken  more  pains  to 
acquire  a  pcrfeft  knowledge  of  every  property  of  thefe  reptile!^; 
than  myfelf,  I  never  could  difcover  the  manner  in  which  they 
bring  forth  their  young.    I  once  killed  a  female  that  had  fe\  en- 
ty  young  ones  in  its  belly,  but  tiicle  were  perfectly  formed,  and 
I  fuw  themjull  before  retire  to  the  mouth  of  their  mother,  a.s  il 
place  of  fecurity,  on  my  approach.     The  gall  of  this  ferpery, 
mixed  with  chalk,  are  'formed  into  little  balLs,  and  exported 
from  America,  for  medicinal  purpofes.     They  are  of  the  nariu  e 
of  Gafcoign's  powders,  and  are  an  excellent  remedy  for  com- 
plaints incident  to  children.     The  fleiT\  of  the  fnake  alfo  dried, 
and  made  into  broth,  is  much  more  nutritive  than  that  ufvipeij., 
and  very  efficacious  againfl:  confumptions. 

The  LONG  BLACK  SNAKE.  Thefe  arc  alfo  of  two  forts, 
both  of  which  are  exaftly  fimilar  in  iliape  and  fize,  only  the 
belly  of  one  is  a  light  red,  the  other  a  faint  blue;  all  the  upper 
parts  of  their  bodies  are  bhitk  and  fcaly.  They  are  generally 
from  fix  to  eight  feet  in  length,  and  carry  their  heads,  as  they 
crawl  along,  about  a  foot  and  an  half  from  the  ground.  They 
eafily  climb  the  higheft  tree,  in  purfuit  of  birds  and  fquirrels, 
which  are  their  chief  food;  and  thefe,  it  is  laid,  they  charm  by 
their  looks,  and  render  incapable  of  ei'caping  from  ihau. 
Their  appearance  carries  terror  with  it  to  thofe  who  are  unac- 
quainted with  their  inability  to  hurt,  but  they  arc  perfectly  inof- 
fenfive  and  free  from  venom. 

The  STRIPED  or  GARTER  SNAKE  is  cxaaiy  the  famcas 
that  fpecies  found  in  other  climates. 

The  WATER  SNAKE  isijmch  like  the  Rattle  Sr-ake  in  Oiape 
and  fize,  but  is  not  endowll^dj|?ith  the  fume  venoHiou.^  powers, 
bcijjg  (juite  harmlcfs.      «,    i*Q^i!        „.         ,  % ,  -  '^'^^  / 


t  #«  1 

•  The  lilSSWG  SNAKE  I  have  already  particularly  defcribc()^ 
when  I  treated,  In  my  Journal,  of  Lake  Eric. 

•  The  GkEEN  SNAKE  is  about  a  foot  and  an  half  long,  and 
In  colour  fo  near  to  grafs  and  herbs,  that  it  cannot  be  difco- 
vered  as  it  lies  on  the  ground  ;  happily  however  it  is  free  from 
vcnoin,  otherwife  it  would  do  an  infinite  deal  of  mifchicf,  us 
thofc  who  pafs  through  the  meadows,  not  being  able  to  per* 
ceive  it,  are  deprived  of  the  power 4of  avoiding  it. 

The  THORN-TAIL  SNAKE.  This  reptileis  found  In  many 
parts  of  America,  but  it  is  very  feldom  to  be  feen.  It  is  of  3 
middle  fize,  and  receives  its  name  from  a  thorn^like  dart  in  its 
tail,  with  which  it  is  faid  to  inflift  a  mortal  wound. 

The  SPECKLED  SNAKE  is  an  aqueous  reptile  about  two 
feet  and  an  half  in  length,  but  without  venom.  Its  skin,  which 
is  brownj^anal  white  with  fome  fpots  of  yellow  in  it,  is  ufed  by 
the  Americans  as  a  cover  for  the  handles  of  whips,  and  it  ren- 
ders them  very  pleafing  to  the  fight. 

The  RING  SNAKE  is  about  twelve  inches  long;  the  body 
of  it  is  entirely  black,  except  a  yellow  ring  which  it  has  about 
Its  neck,  and  which  appears  like  a  narrow  piece  of  ribband  tied 
around  it.  This  odd  reptile  is  frequently  found  in  the  bark  of 
trees,  and  among  old  logs. 

The  TWO-HEADED  SNAKE.  The  only  fnake  of  this  kind 
that  was  ever  feen  in  America,  was  found  about  the  year  i76:j, 
near  Lake  Champlain,  by  Mr.  Park,  a  gentleman  of  New  Eng- 
land, and  made  a  prefent  to  Lord  Amherft.  It  was  about  a  foot 
long,  and  in  iliape  like  the  common  fnake,  but  it  was  furnifhcd 
with  two  heads  exaftjy  fimilar,  which  united  at  the  neck.  Whc^ 
ther  this  was  a  diftinft  fpecies  of  fnakes,  and  was  able  to  pro- 
pagate its  likenefs,  or  whether  it  was«n  accidental  formation, 
I  know  not. 

The  TORTOISE  or  LAND  TURTLE.  Thefliape  of  this 
creature  is  fo  well  known  that  it  is  unneceflary  to  defcribe  it. 
There  are  feven  or  eight  forts  of  them  in  America,  fome  of 
which  are  beautifully  variegated,  even  beyond  defcription.  Thq 
fhells  of  many  have  fpots  of  red,  green,  and  yellow  in  them» 
and  the  chequer  work  is  compofed  of  fmall  fquares,  curioufly 
difpofed.  The  moft  beautiful  fort  of  thefe  creatures  arc  the 
fmalleft,  and  tht  bite  of  them  is  faid  to  be  venomous. 


.  tf^- 


LIZARDS,    &c. 


1  fe 


Though  there  are  numerous  kinds  of  this  dafs  of  the  animal 
creation,  in  the  country  I  treat  of,  I  Ihall  qply  take  notice  of 
two  of  thcm^  H^hicfe  are  teme#  the  Swift  and  the  flow  LI- 

-'^ -.       a^*.^      -''■  The* 


"^ 


•     t  1*  V 

The  SWIFT  LIZARD  is  about  fix  Inches  long,  nn^  has  four 
legs  and  a  tail.  Its  body,  which  is  blue,  is  prettily  Drlpcd  with 
dark  lines  Ihadcd  with  yellow;  but  the  end  of  the  t*aH  is  totJilly 
blue.  It  is  fo  remarkably  agile,  that  in  an  inllant  it  is  out  of 
fight,  nor  can  its  movement  be  perceived  by  the  qiiickjjft  eye; 
fo  that  It  might  morcf  juftly  be  faid  to  vanilli,  than  to  run  away. 
This  fpecies  are  fuppofcd  to  poifon  tliofe  they  bite,  but  arc  not 
dangerous,  as  they  nevci;.  attack  perlons  that  approach  them, 
chufing  rather  to  get  fuddenly  out  of  their  reach. 

The  SLOW  LIZARD  is  of  the  fame  fhape  as  the  Swift,  but 
its  colour  is  brown ;  it  is  moreover  of  an  oppofite  difpolition. 
being  altogether  as  flow  In  its  movements  as  the  other  is  fwift. 
It  is  remarkable  that  thefc  lizards  are  extremely  brittle,  and  will 
break  off  near  the  tail  as  cafily  as  an  icicle. 

Among  the  reptiles  of  North  America,  there  is  a  fpcclcs  of 
the  toad  termed  the  TREE  TOAD,  which  is  nearly  of  the  fame 
ihapc  as  the  common  fort,  but  fmallcr  and  with  longer  claws. 
It  is  ufually  found  on  trees,  flicking  clofe  to  the  bark,  or  lying 
in  tHfe  crevices  of  it;  and  fo  nearly  docs  it  refcmble  the  colour 
of  the  tree  to  which  it  cleaves,  that  it  is  with  difficulty  dirtin- 
guilTied  from  it.  Thefe  creatures  are  only  heard  during  the 
twilight  of  the  morning  and  evening,  or  jufl  before  and  after  a 
Jliower  of  rain,  when  they  makea  croaking  noife  fomewhat  (hrV- 
lerthan  that  of  a  frog,  which  might  be  heard  to  a  great  diffance. 
They  Infefl  the  woods  in  fuch  numbers,  that  their  refponfive 
notes  at  thefe  times  make  the  air  refound.  It  is  only  a  fummer 
^iiimal,  and  never  to  be  found  during  the  winter.  f 


INSECTS. 


The  interior  parts  of  North  America  abound  with  nearly  tho 
fame  infers  as  are  met  with  in  the  fame  parallels  of  latitude ; 
and  the  fpecies  of  them  are  fo  numerous  and  diverfilied  that 
even  a  fuccinft  defcription  of  the  whole  of  them  would  fill  a 
volume;  I  ihall  therefore  confine  myfelf  to  a  few,  which  I  be- 
lieve are  almofl  peculiar  to  this  country;  the  Silk  Worm,  the 
Tobacco  Worm,  the  Bee,  the  Lightning  Bug,  the  Water  Biv^, 
and  the  Horned  Bug. 

The  SILK  WORM  is  nearly  the  fame  as  thofe  of  France  and 
Italy,  but  will  not  produce  the  fame  quantity  of  lllk. 

The  TOJ^ACCO  WORJ^  is  a  catterpillar  of  the  fize  and  fi- 
gure of  a  filk  worm,  it  is  of  a  fine  fea-grecn  colour,  on  its 
rifmp  it  has  a  fling  or  horn  near  a  quarter  of  an  inch  long. 

The  §EES,  in  America,  principally  lodge  their  honey  in  the 
earth  t^  fecure  it  from  the  ravages  of  Che  bears,  wlio  are  re- 
markably fond  of  it. 


if" 


(    #p8    1 

The  LIGHTNING  WCG  or  FIRE  FLY  is  about  the  fize  of 
a  bee,  but  it  is  of  the  beetle  kind,  having  like  that  infeft  two 
pair  of  wfegs  the  upper  of  #'hich  are  *of  a  firm  texture,  to 
defcud  it  from  danger.    When  it  il'ics^  and  the  wings  are  ex- 
panded, there  is  under  thefe  a  kind  of  coat,  conftrufted  alfo 
like  wi^igs,  which  is  luihinous,*  and  as  the  infeft  palTcs  on,  caufes 
all  the  hinder  part  of  its  body  to  appear  like  a  bright  fiery  coal. 
Having  placed  one  of  them  on  your  hand,  the  under  part  only 
ihines,  and  throws  the  light  on  the  fpace  beneath;  but  as  foon 
as  it  fprcads  its  upper  wings  to  fly  away,  the  whole  body  which 
lies  behind  them  appears  illuminated  all  around.    The  light  it 
gives  is  not  conftantly  of  the  fame  magnitude,  even  when  it 
flics i  but  fecms  to  depend  on  the  expanfion  or  contradlion  of 
the  luminous  coat  or  wings,  and  is  very  different  from  that 
emitted  in  a  dark  night  by  dry  wood  or  fome  kinds  of  fifli,  it 
having  much  more  the  appearance  of  real  fire.    They  feem  to 
be  fenfible  of  the  power  they  are  pofTefTed  of,  and  to  know  the 
moll  fuitable  time  for  exerting  it,  as  in  a  very  dark  nigh:  they 
are  much  more  numerous  than  ac  any  other  time.    They  a^  on- 
ly feen  during  the  fummer  months  of  June,  July,  and  Augull, 
and  then  at  no  other  time  but  in  the  night.     Whether  from 
their  colour,  which  is  a  dusky  brown,  they  arc  not  then  difccrn- 
ible,  or  from  their  retiring  to  holes  and  crevices,.  I  know  not, 
but  they  are  never  to  be  difcovered  in  the  day.     They  chiefly 
are  feen  in  low  fwampy  land,  and  appear  like  inmimerable  tran- 
lient  gleams  of  light.    In  dark  nights  when  there  is  much  light- 
ning, without  rain,  they  feem  as  if  they  willicd  cither  to  imitate 
or  affift  the  flaflics ;  for  during  the  intervals,  they  are  uncom- 
monly agile,  and  endeavour  to  throw  out  every  ray  tlicy  can  col- 
left.    Notwithftanding  this  cff'ulgent  appearance,  thele  infedts 
are  pcrfcftly  harmlcfs;  you  may  permit  them  to  crawl  upon  your 
hand,  when  five  or  Ox,  if  they  freely  exhibit  their  glow  toge- 
tlier,  will  enable  you  to  read  aimoft  the  fmallert  print. 

The  WATER  BUG  is  of  a  brown  colour,  about  the  fize  of 
a  pea,  and  in  iTiape  nearly  Oval ;  it  has  many  legs,  by  means  of 
ivhich  it  palles  over  the  furfacc  of  the  water  with  fuch  incredi- 
ble fwifcnefs,  that  it  fcems  to  Aide  or  dart  itfelf  along. 

The  HORNED  BUG,  or,  as  it  is  fometimes  termed,  the 
STAG  BEETLE,  is  of  a  duslcy  brown  colour  nearly  approach- 
ing to  black,  about  an  inch  and  an  half  long,  and  half  an  inch 
broad.  It  has  two  large  horns,  which  grow  on  each  fide  of 
the  head,  and  meet  horizontally,  and  with  thefe  it  pinches  very 
hard;  they  are  branched  like  thofe  of  a  ftag,  from  whence  it 
receives  its  name.  They  fly  about  in  the  evening,  and  prove 
\ery  troublcfome  to  thofe  who  are  in  the  fields  at  that  time. 

I  murt  not  omit  that  the  LOCUST  is  a  feptennial  infeft,  as 
they  arc  only  feen,  a  imall  number  of  ftragglers  excepted,  eve- 
ry feven  years,  when  they  infeft  thefe  parts,  and  the  interior 
colonies  in  large  fwarms,  and  do,  a  great  deal  of  qifchief.  The 
ycurs  when  they  thus  arrive  are  feominatcd  the  locuft  years. 

C  H  A  P- 


I    IS*   1 


<r. 


CHAPTER     XIX. 


i 


0/*  th   Trees,    Shrubs,    Roots,   Herb^, 

Flowers,  6v. 


# 


I  SHALL  here  obferve  the  fame  method  that  I  have  purfucd 
in  the  preceding  chapter,  and  having  given  a  lift  of  the 
trees,  &c.  which  arc  natives  of  the  interior  parts  of  North 
America,  particularize  fuch  only  as  differ  from  the  produce  of 
other  countries,  or,  beinglittleknown,have  not  been  dcfciIUed^ 


!•'«- 


OF      TREES. 

The  Oak,  the  Pir.c  Tree,  the  Mnple,  the  Afh,  the  IlcmlocI:, 
the  Bafs  or  White  Wood,  the  Cedar,  the  Elm,  the  Birch,  the 
Fir,  the  Locull  Tree,  the  Poplar,  the  Wickopick  or  Suckwick, 
the  Spruce,  the  Hornbeam,  and  the  Button  Wood  Tree.      : 

The  OAK.  There  are  fevcral  fort.^  of  oaks  in  thefe  part?; 
the  black,  the  white,  the  red,  the  yellow,  the  grey,  the  iwamp 
oak,  and  the  chefnut  oak;  the  five  former  vary  but  little  in  their 
external  appearance,  the  fhape  of  the  leaves,  and  the  colour  of 
the  bart  being  fo  much  alike,  that  they  are  fcarcely  diftinguilh- 
al)Ie;  but  the  body  of  the  tree  when  fawed  difcovers  the  varia- 
tion, which  chiefly  confifts  in  the  colour  of  the  wood,  they  be* 
iag  all  very  hard  and  proper  for  building.  The  fwamp  oak  dif- 
fei-s  materially  from  the  oMiers  both  in  the  iTiape  of  the  leaf, 
which  is  fmaller,  and  in  the  bark,  which  is  fmoothcr ;  and  like- 
v/ifc  as  it  grows  only  in  a  moifi  gravelly  foil.  It  ir,  cfleemcd  tlie 
toughefl  of  all  woods,  being  fo  ftrong  yet  pliable,  that  it  is  of- 
fen  made  ui'e  of  inltcad  ot  whalebone,  and  is  equally  fcrvice* 
able,.  Tlic  chefnut  oak-alCo  is  greatly  diircrent  from  the  other?, 
priiticulariy  in  the  fliape  of  the  leaf,  which  much  rcfemblcs  that 
of  a  chefniit-tree,  and  for  this  reafon  is  fo  denominated.  It  i.s 
nt'ithcr  fo  ftrong  as  the  former  fpecies,  or  fo  |ough  as  the  lat- 
ter, but  is  of  a  nature  proper  to  be  fplit  into  rails  for  fences, 
in  which  flate  it  will  endure  a  confiderable  time^ 

The  PINE  TREE.  That  Ipecies  of  tlue  pine  tree  peculiar 
to  this  part  of  the  continent  is  the  white,  the  quality  of  which  I 
need  not  deliribe,  :vs*the  timber  of  it  is  fo  well  known  under 

..^  .     the 


,fJ 


■^  ■*, 


^^ 


[    too    ] 

the  name  of  deals.  It  gfows  here  in  great  plenty,  to  an  amaz- 
ing height  and  fize,  and  yields, an  excellent  turpentine,  though 
not  in  fuch  quantities  as  thofein  the  northern  parts  of  Europe. 

The  MAPLE,  Of  this  tree  there  are  two  forts,  the  hard 
and  the  foft,  both  of  which  yield  a  lufcioui:  juice,  From  which 
the  Indians,  by  boiling,  make  very  good  fugar.  The  fap  of 
the  former  is  much  richer  and  fweeter  than  the  latter,  but  the 
foft  produces  a  greater  quantity.  The  wood  of  the  hard  maple 
isVery  beautifully  veined  and  curled,  and  when  wrought  into 
cabinets,  tables,  gunftocks,  &c.  is  greatly  valued.  That  of 
the  foft  fort  differs  in  its  texture,  wanting  the  variegated  grain 
of  the  hard;  it  alfo  grows  more  flrait  and  free  from  branches, 
and  is  more  eafily  fplit.  ,  It  likewifc  may  be  diftinguiihed  from 
the  hard,  as  this  grows  in  meadows  and  low-lands,  that  on  the 
hills  anij  up-lands.  The  leaves  are  fliaped  alike,  but  thofe  of 
the  foft  maple  are  much  the  largeft,  and  of  a  deeper  green. 

Tiic  ASH.    There  arp  fcvcral  forts  ot  this  tree  in   thefo 
parts,  but  that  to  which  I  fliall  confine  my  defcription,  is  the 
yellow  alli,  which  is  only  found  near  the  head  branches  of  the 
Mifliflippi.     This  tree  grows  to  an  amaznig  height,  and  the  bo- 
dy of  it  is  fo  lirm  and  found,  that  the  French  traders  who  go 
into  that  country  from  Louifiana,  to  pur  chafe  furs-,  make   of 
them  periaguays;  this  they  do  by  excavating  them  by  iire,  and 
when  they  are  compleated,  convey  in  them  the  produce  of  their 
trade  to  Nc'iv  Orleans,  where  they  find  a  good  market  both  for 
their  vcflTels  and  cargoes.     The  wood  of  this  tree  greatly  re- 
fcmblcs  that  of  the  common  alli;  but  it  might  be  diftinguillied 
from  any  other  tree  by  its  bark;  the  rofs  or  outfide  bark  being 
near  eight  inciics  thick,  and  indented  with  furrows  more  than 
fix  inches  deep,  which  make  thofe  that  are  arrived  to  a  great 
bulk  appear  uncommonly  rough;  and  by  this  peculiarity  they 
may  be  readily  known.     The  rind  or,J«fide  bark  is  of  the  fame 
thicknefs  as  that  of  other  trees,   but  its  colour  is  a  fine  bright 
yellow,  infomuch  that  if  it  is  but  flightly  handled,  it  will  leave 
a  ftain  on  the  fingers,  which  cannot  eafily  be  waflicd  away;  and 
if  in  the  fpring  you  peel  off  the  bark,  and  touch  the  fap,  which 
then  rifcs  between  that  and  the  body  of  the  tree,  it  will  leave' 
fo  deep  a  tinfture  that  it  will  require  three  or  four  days  to  wear 
it  off.     Many  ufeful  qualities  belonging  to  this  tree  I  doubt not^ 
will  be  difcovered  in  timc^  bcfides  it  proving   a  valuable  ac-* 
quifition  to  the  dyer.  ' 

The  HEMLOCK  TREE  grows  in  every  part  of  America, 
in  a  greater  or  lefs  degree.  It  is  an  ever-green  of  a  very  large 
grov/th,  and  has  leaves  fomewhat  like  that  of  the  yew;  it  is 
however  quire  ufelcfs,  and  only  an  incumbrance  to  the  ground, 
the  wood  being  of  a  very  coarfe  grain,  and  full  of  wind-lhakes 
or  cracks. 

The  BASS  or  WHITE  WOOD  is  a  tree  of  a  middling  fize. 
and  the  whiteft  and  foftell  wood  that  grows;  when  quite  dry  it 
fwimo  on  the  water  like  a  cork;  in  the  fcttlcments  the  turners 


I 


'J4f» 


^H^ 


tha^ 

as 

tri( 

nut  I 

of 

ihell 

Vai 

fupj 


[      201      ]     /" 

^Tiake  of  it  bowls,  trenchers,  and  difhes,  which  weal-  fmooth, 
and  will  laft  a  long  time;  but  when  applied  to  any  other  pur- 
pofc  it  is  far  from  durable. 

The  WICKOPICK  or  SUCKWICK  appears  to  be  a  fpecies 
of  the  white  wood,  and  is  diilinguiflied  from  it  by  a  peculiar 
quality  in  the  bark,  which  when  pounded  and  moiftened  with  a 
little  water,  inflantly  becomes  a  matter  of  the  confiflence  and 
nature  of  fize.  With  this  the  Indians  pay  their  canoes,  and  it 
greatly  exceeds  pitch,  or  any  other  material  ufual'y  appropriat- 
ed to  that  purpofe;  for  belldes  its  adhefive  quality,  it  is  of  lb 
oily  a  nature,  that  the  water  cannot  penetrate  through  it,  and 
its  repelling  power  abates  not  for  a  confiderablc  time. 

The  BUTTON  WOOD  is  a  tree  of  the  Jargeft  fize,  and 
might  be  diftinguiflied  by  its  bark,  which  is  quite  fmooth  and 
prettily  mottled.  The  wood  is  very  proper  for  the  ufe  of  ca- 
binet-matters. It  is  covered  with  fmall  hard  burs,  which  fpring 
from  the  branches,  thafcappcar  not  unlike  buttons,  and  from 
Ihcfe,  I  believe,  it  receives  its  name. 

NUT      TREES/ 

"th2  'Butter  or  Oil  Nut,  the  Walnut,  the  Flazic  Nut,  the 
Beech  Nut,  the  Pecan  Nut,  the  Chcfnut,  the  Hickory. 

The  BUTTER  or  OIL  NUT.  As  no  mention  has  been 
made  by  any  authors  of  this  nut,  I  iTiall  be  the  more  particular 
in  my  account  of  it.  The  tree  grows  in  meadows  where  the 
foil  is  rich  and  warm.  The  body  of  it  feldom  exceeds  a  yard  in 
circumference,  is  full  of  branches,  the  twigs  of  which  arc  iTiori* 
and  blunt,  and  its  leaves  refemble  thofe  of  the  walnut.  The 
nut  has  a  fliell  like  that  fruit,  which  when  ripe  is  more  furrow- 
ed, and  more  eaffly  craked ;  £t  is  alfo  much  longer  and  larger  than 
ji  walnut,  and  contains  a  greater  quantity  of  kernel,  which  is 
very  oily,  and  of  a  rich  iigreeable  flavour.  I  am  pcrfuadcd  that 
a  much  purer  oil  than  that  of  olives  might  be  extrafted  from 
tills  nut.  The  hifide  bark  of  this  tree  dyes  a  good  purple;  and 
it  is  faid,  varies  in  its  fhade,  being  either  darker  or  lighter,  ac- 
cording to  the  month  in  which  it  is  gathered. 

The  BEECH  NUT.  Though  this  tree  grows  cxaftly  like 
that  of  the  fame  name  in  Europe,  yet  it  produces  nuts  equally 
as  good  as'chefnuts;  on  which  bears,  martins,  fquirrcls,  par- 
tridges, turkies,  and  many  other  beails  and  birds  feed.  The 
nut  is  contained,  whilft  growing,  in  an  outfide  cafe,  like  that: 
of  a  chefnut,  but  qot  fo  prickly;  and  the  coat  of  the  inlide 
ihell  is  alfo  fmooth  like  that;  only  its  form  is  nearly  triangular. 
Vaft  quantities  of  them  lie  fcattcred  about  in  the  woods,  and 
fupply  with  food  great  numbers  of  the  creatures  jiili  mciuloncd. 
■   *^'  ^  Cc  '  The 


\ 


'.:-m* 


"V*y'- 


•1^ . 


»!.' 


^ 


^ 
r 


^^;: 


rPi'f<m  :••% 


*y.- 


3o2 


•the  leaves,  which  are  white,  continue  on  the  trees  during  the 
whole  winter.  A  decoftion  made  of  them  is  a  certain  and  expe- 
ditious cure  for  wounds  which  arife  from  burning  or  fcaldinft,  as 
well  as  a  rellorative  for  tj^ofe  members  that  are  nipped  by  the 
froft.  >  ^«  ^ 

The  PECAN  NUT  is  foihewhat  of  the  walnut  kind,  but  ra- 
ther fmaller  than  a  walnut,  being  about  the  fize  of  a  middling 
acorn, ,  and  of  an  oval  form;  the  ihell  is  eafily  cracked,  and  the 
kernel  fhaped  like  that  of  a  walnut.  TWs  tree  grows  chicfl/ 
near  the  Illinois  river.  4 

The  HICKORY  is  alfo  of  the  walnuf  kind,  and  bears  a  fruit 
n^ly  like  that  tree*  There  a^e  fcveral  forts  of  them,  which 
vajty  only  in  the  colour  of  the  wood.  Being  of  a  very  tough 
natiu^,  the  wood  rs  generally  ufed  for  the  handles  of  axes,  &c 
It  is'alfo  very  good  tire-wood. 


I  .       gar  diftils  from  it. 


and  as  it  burns  an  excellent  f«- 


FRUIT      TREES. 


'.>•    ■  *■■ 


I  need  not  to  obferre  that  thefc^are  all  the  fpontaneous  pro- 
duftioni  of  nature,  which  have  never  received  the  advantage* 
oS  ingrafting,  tranfplanting,  or  manuring.  „. 

The  Vine,  the  Mulberry  Tree,  the  Crab  Apple  Tree,  the 
Plum  Tree,  the  Clierry  Tree>  and  the  Sjv^eet  Gum  Tree. 

The  VINE  is  very  commort  here,  and  of  three  kinds;  the 
fir  ft  fort  hardly  deferves  the  name  of  a  grape;  the  fecond 
much  refembles  the  Burgundy  grape,  and  if  expofed  to  the  fun 
ii  good  wine  might  be  made  from  them.  The  third  fort  refem- 
bles Zant  currants,  which  are  fo  freqfuently  ufed  in  cakes,  &c. 
in  England,  and  if  proper  care  was  taken  of  them,  would  be 
equal,  if  not  fiiperior,  to  thofe  of  that  country. 

The  MULBERRY  TREE  is  of  two,  kinds,  red  and  white, 
and  nearly  of  the  fame  fize  of  thofe  of  France  ,and  Italy,  and 
grow  in  fuch  plenty,  as  to  feed  any  quantity  of  filk  worms 

The  CRAB  APPLE  TREE  bears  a  fruit  that  is  much  1 
and  better  flavoured  than  thofe  of  Europe. 

The  PLUM  TREE.  There  are  two  forts  of  plums  in  this 
country,  one  a  large  fort  of  a  purple  caft  on  one  fide,  and  red 
on  the  reverfe,  the  fecond  totally  green,  and  much  fmaller. 
Both  thefe  arc  of  a  good  flavour,  and  are  greatly  efteemed  by 
the  Indians,  whole  tafte  is  not  refined,  but  who  are  fatt«fied 
with  the  produftions  of  nature  in  their  unimproved  ftatl. 

The  CHERRY  TREE.     There  are  three  forts  of  cherricK 
in  this  country ;  the   black,  the  red,  and  the  fand  cherry ;  thc^^. 
iy,'Q  i^^ex  may  with  inore  propriety  he  {ajiKed  among  the  i}irubs. 


larger 


the 

bail 

baij 

whi 

pec 

coll 

the 


^yi- 


"S^" 


«s  the  bufli  that  bears  the  fand  cherries  almoft  creeps  along 
the  ground,  and  the  other  rifes  not  above  eight  or  ten  feet  in 
height;  however  I  (hall  give  an  account  of  them  all  in  this  place. 
Th«  black  cherries  are  about  the  fize  of  a  currant,  and  hang  in 
dufters  like  grapes;  the  trees  which  tear  them  being  very  fruit- 
ful, they  are  generally  loaded,  but  t6tffruit  is  not  good  to  eat, 
however  they  give  an  agreeable  flavour  to  brandy,  and  turn  it 
to  the  colour  of  claret.  The  red  cherries  grow  in  the  greateft 
profufion,  and  hang  in  bunches,  like  the  black  fort  juft  dcfcribed; 
fo  that  the  bufhes  whith  bear  them  appear  at  a  diftance  like  fo- 
lid  bodies  of  red  matter.  Some  people  admire  this  fruit,  but 
they  partake  of  the  nature  and  tafle  of  alum,  leaving  adifagree- 
able  roughnefs  in  the  throat,  and  being  very  aftringent.  As  I 
have  already  defcribed  the  fand  cherries,  which  greatly  exceed 
the  two  other  forts,  both  in  flavour  and  fize,  I  fliall  give  n6 
further  defcription  of  them.  The  wood  of  the  black  cherry 
*tree  is  very  ufeful,  and  w^rks  well  into  cabinet  ware. 
^  The  SWEET  GUM  TME  or  LIQUIDAMBER  (Copalm) 
is  not  only  extremely  common,  but  it  affords  a  balm,  the  vir- 
tues of  which  are  infinite.  Its  bark  is  black  and  hard,  and  its 
wood  fo  tender  and  fouple,  that  when  the  tree  is  felled,  you 
may  draw  from  the  middle  of  it  rods  of  five  or  fix  feet  in  length. 
It  cannot  be  employed  in  building  or  furniture,  as  it  warps  con- 
tinually. Its  leaf  is  indente^with  five  points,  like  a  ftar.  This 
balm  is  reckoned  by  the  Indians  to  be  an  excellent  fe]?rifuge, 
ai|d  it  cures  wounds  in  two  or  three  days,  ' 


SHRUBS. 


■;-iiK 


♦- 


Sh.mV:.^ 


The  Willow,  Shin  Wood,  Shumack,  SalTafras,  the  Prickly 
Afli,  Moofe  Wood,  Spoon  Wood,  Large  Elder,  Dwarf  Elder, 
Poifonous  Elder,  Juniper,  Shrub  Oak,  Sweet  Fern,  the  Laurel, 
the  Witch  Hazle,  the  Myrtle  Wax  tree.  Winter  Green,  the  Fever 
Bufh,  the  Cranberry  BulTi,  the  Goofberry  Bufli,  the  Currant . 
Bulli,  theWhirtle  Berry,  the  Rafberry,  the. Black  Berry,  and 
the  Choak  Berry. 

n  .   .      -^  J. 

The  WILLOW.  There  a"  feveral  f^ecies  of  the  willow, 
the  moft  remarkable  of  which  is  a  linall  fort  that  grows  on  the 
banks  of  the  Mifliirippi,  and  fome  other  places  adjacent.  The 
bark  of  this  Ihrub  fupplies  the  beaver  with  its  winter  foodj  and 
where  the  water  has  wafhed  the  foil  from  its  roots,  they  ap- 
pear to  confift  of  fibres  interwoven  together  like  thread,  the 
colour  of  which  is  of  an  inexpreflible  fine  fcarlet;  with  this 
the  Indians  tinge  many  of  the  ornamental  parts  of  their  drefs. 

SHIN  WOOD.  This  extraordinary  iTirub  grows  in  the  for- 
Ws,  and  rifing  like  a  vine,  runs  near  the  ground  for  fix  or  eight 

m. 

si 


f  ^  .--A 


X  i. 


'7f/' 


,y.  ., 


•'# 


i 


•       «v 


-^*.. 


f» 


fe^,  and  then  takes  root  again;  in  the  fame  manner  taking"* 
root,  and  fpringing  up  fucccffivelj^,  one  ftalk  covers  a  large 
fpace;  this  proves  very  troubtefomc  to  the  hafty  traveller,  by 
llriking  againft  his   fliins,  and  entangling  his  legs ;  from  which 
it  has  acquired  its  name./ 

The  SASSAFRAS  is  r%ood  well  known  for  its  medicinal 
qualities.  It  might  with  equal  propriety  be  termed  a  tree  as  a 
flirub,  as  it  fometimes  grows  thirty  feet  high ;  but  in  general  it 
does  not  reich  higher  than  thofe  of  the  ihrub  kind.  The  leaves, 
which  yield  an  agreeable  fragrance,  arc  liarge,  and  nearly  fepa- 
rated  into  three  divifions.  It  bears  a  reddifh  brown  berry,  of 
the  fize  and  Ihape  of  Pimento,  and  which  is  fometimes  ufed  in 
the  colonies  as  a  fiibrtitute  for  ^hat  fpice.  The  barj^  or  roots 
of  this  tree  is  infinitely  fuperior  to  the  wood  for  its  iife  in  me- 
dicine, and  I  am  furprized  it  is  fo  feldom  to  be  met  with,  a* 
its  effic;;cy  is  fo  much  greater. 

The  PRICKLY  ASH  is  a  ftrub  that  fometimes  grows  to  the 
height  of  ten  or  fifteen  feet,  and  has  a  leaf  exaftly  refcmbling 
that  of  an  alTi,  but  it  receives  the  epithet  to  its  name  from  the 
abundance  of  ihort  thorns  with  which  every  branch  is  covered, 
and  which  renders  it  very  troublefome  to  thofe  whopafs  through 
the  fpot  where  they  grow  thick.  It  alfo  bears  afcarlet  berry, 
which,  when  ripe,  has  a  fiery  tafte,  like  pepper.  The  bark  cjf 
this  tree,  particularly  the  bark  of  the  roots,  is  highly  cftQemed 
by  the  natives  for  its  medicinal  qualities.  I  have  already  men- 
tioned one  inftance  of  its  efficacy,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but 
that  the  decoflion  of  it  will  expeditioufly  and  radically  rCQiove 
all  impurities  of  the  blood. 

The  MOOSE  WOOD  grows  about  four  feet  high,  and  is 
very  full  of  branches ;  but  what  renders  it  worth  notice  is  its 
bark,  which  is  of  fo  ftrong  and  pliable  a  texture,  that  being 
peeled  oiF  at  any  feafon,  and  tv/irted,  makes  equally^  as  gooo 
cordage  as  hemp. 

The  SPOON  WOOD  is  a  fpecies  of  the  laurel,  and  the 
wood  when  fa#ed  refcmbles  box  wood. 

The  ELDER,  commonly  rermed  the  poifonous  elder,  nearly 
refcmbles  xhe  other  forts  in  its.  leaves  and  branches,  butitgrows 
much  ftraiter,  and  is  only  found  in  fwamps  and  moift  foils.  This 
fhrub  is  endowed  with  a  very  extraordinary  quality,  that  ren- 
ders it  poiionous  to  fome  coijjfcutions,  which  it  effefts  if  the 
perfon  only  approaches  within  i  few  yards  of  it,  whilfl  others 
may  even  chew  the  leaves  or  the  rind  without  receiving  the  Icaft 
detriment  from  them  :  the  poifon  however  is  not  mortal,  though 
it  operates  v^ry  violently  on  the  infeftcd  perfon,  whofe  body 
and  head  fweil  to  an  amazing  fize,  and  are  covered  with  erup- 
tions, that  at  their  height  refemble  the  confluent  fmall-pox.  ki 
it  grows  alfo  in  many  of  the  provinces,  the  inhabitants  cure  its 
venom  by  drinking  fafFron  tea,  and  anointing  the  cxtereal  parts 
(^with  a  mixture  conipofed  of  cream  and  marih  mallowiv 


im^ 


'*3^-. 


r* 


mfy 


'■•« 


The  SHRUB  OAK  is  exaftly  fimilar  to  the  oak  tree,  bot^ 
In  its  wood  and  leaves,  and  like  that  it  bears  an  acorn,  but  it 
never  rifcs  from  the  ground  above  four  or  five  feet,  growing 
crooked  and  knotty.     It  is  found  chietly  on  a  dry  gravelly  ibil. 

The  WITCH  HA2LE  grows  very  bulliy,  about  ten  feet 
high,  and  is  covered  early  in  May  with  numerous  white  blof- 
foms..  When  this  fhrub  is  in  bloom,  the  Indians  eftcem  it  a 
further  indication  that  the  frpft  is  entirely  gone,  and  that  they 
might  low  their  corn.  It  has  been  faid,  that  it  is  poflefled  of 
the  power  of  attradling  gold  or  filver,  and  that  twigs  of  it  arc 
made  ufc  of  to  difcover  where  the  veins  of  thefe metals  lie  hid; 
but  I  am  apprchenfive  that  this  is  only  a  fallacious  Itory,  and 
not  to  bo  depended  on ;  however  that  fuppofition  has  given  it 
the  name  of  Witch  Hazle. 

The  MYRTLE  WAX  TREE  Is  a  fhrub  about  four  or  five 
'  feet  high,  the  leaves  of  which  arc  larger  than  thofe  of  the  cora- 
inon  myrtle,  but  they  fmell  exaftly  alike.  It  bears  its  fruit  \n 
bunches,  like  a  nofcgay,  rifing  frqm  the  fame  place  in  various 
ftalks,  about  two  inches  long :  at  the  end  of  each  of  thefe  is  a 
little  nut  containing  a  kernel,  which  is  wholly  covered  with  a 
gluey  fubftance,  which  being  boiled  in  water,  Iwims  on  the  fur- 
face  of  it,  and  becomes  a  kind  of  green  wax,-  this  is  more  va- 
tluable  than  bees-wax,  being  of  a  more  brittle  nature,  but  mixed 
with  it  makes  a  good  candle,  which,  as  it  burns,  fends  l"orth  an 
agreeable  fcent. 

WINTER  GllEKN.  Thi^  is  an  cver-grecn,  of  the  fpccies 
of  the  myrtle,  and  is  found  on  dry  heaths ;  the  flowers  of  it  are 
whltCj  and  in  the  form  of  a  rofe,  but  not  larger  than  a  filver 
poiny;  in  the  winter  it  is  full  of  red  berries,  about  the  fize  of 
a  floe,  which  are  fmooth  and  round;  thefe  are  preferved  during 
the  feverc  fealon  by  the  fnow,  and  are  at  that  time  in  the  higheii 
perfe<aion.  The  Indians  eat  thefe  berries,  eltecming  them  \||| 
ry  balfamic,  and  invigorating  to  the  flomach.  The  people  in^ 
habiting  the  interior  colonies  fleep  both  I'prigs  and  berries  in 
beer,  and  ufe  it  as  a  diet  drink  for  cleunfing  the  blood  from  fcoj|p 
butic  diljorders. 

The  FEVER  RUSH  grows  about  five  or  fix  feet  high;  its 
leaf  is  like  that  of  a  lilach,  and  it  bears  a  reddilli  berry  of  a  fpi- 
cy  flavour.  The  (hilks  of  it  are  exceflively  brittle.  A  decoc^ 
tion  of  the  buds  or  wood  |tf|9n  excellent  febrifuge,  and  frojii 
this  valuable  property  it  reOTves  its  name.  It  is  an  ancient  In- 
dian remedy  for  all  inflammatory  complaints,  and  likewil'o 
much  elleemcd  on  the  fame  account,  by'  the  inhabitants  of  the 
interior  parts  of  the  colonies. 

The  CRANBERRY  BUSH.  Though  the  fruit  of  this  buffi 
greatly  refeinbles  in  fize  and  appearance  that  of  the  cominon 
for|^.  which  grows  on  a  finall  vine,  in  morailes  and  bogs,  vet 
the  bulb  runs  to  the  height  of  ten  or  twehe  feet;  but  it  is 
very  rarely  to  be  met  with.  As  the  meadow  cranberry,  being 
"*  of  a  local  growth,  and  liQuriihing  only  in  liioiaircs,  c.iiinot  ho 

s^  traiifplantcd 


^" 


0 


♦.» 


*  "  f     2C6     ]  ••'     «        % 

*ranfplantcd  or  cultivated,  the  former,  if  removed  at  a  ffropcr 

»eafon,  would  be  a  valuable  acquifitioii  to  the  garden,  and  with 

proper  Tiurture  prove  equally  as  good,  if  not  better. 

The  CHOAK  BERRY.  *  The  Ihrub  thus  termed  by  the  na- 

r  tives  grows  about  five  or  fix  feet  high,  and  bears  a  berry  about 

■  the  fizo  of  a  floe,  of  a  jet  black,  which  contains   fcA-eral  fmall 

feeds  within  the  pulp.     The  juice  of  this  fruit,  though  not  of 

•  difagreeable  flavour,  is  extremely  tart,  and  leaves  a  rough- 

nefi  in  the  mouth  and  throat  when  eaten,  that  has  gained  it  tho 

name  of  choak  berry. 


ROOTS    and    PLANTS. 


Elccampagne,  Spikenard,  Angelica, ,  Sarfaparilla,  Ginfang, 
Ground  Nuts,  Wild  Potatoes,  Liquorice,  Snake  Root,  Gold 
Thread,  Solomon's  Seal,  Devil's  Bit,  Blood  Root,  Onions, 
Garlick,  Wild  i'arfnips,  Mandrakes,  Hellebore  White  and  Black. 


SPIKENARD,  vulgarly  called  in  the  colonics  Pctty-Morrel. 
This  plant  appears  to  be  (!xa(ftly  the  fame  as  the  Afiatick  fpike- 
nard,  fo  much  valued  by  the  ancients.  It  grows  near  the  fide* 
of  brooks,  in  rocky  places,  and  its  ftem,  which  is  about  the  fizc 
ofagoofe  quill,  fprings  up  like  that  of  anficlica,  reaching  abdut 
a  foot  and  an  half  from  the  ground.  It  bears  bunches  of  ber- 
ries in  all  refpcdls  lik^  thofc  of  the  elder,  only  rather  larger. 
Tbefe  ate  of  fuch  a  balfamic  nature,  that  when  infufed  in  fpi- 
rits,  they  make  a  moft  palatable  and  reviving  cordial. 

.;^^      SARSAPARILLA.     The  root  of  this  plant,  which  is  the  moft 
'"fliyRiible  part  of  it,  is  about  the  fize  of  a  goofe  quill,  and  runs 
ihwfferent  directions,  twined  and  crooked  to  a  great  length  in 
the  ground;  from  the  principal  ftcm  of  it  fpring  many  fmallcr 
#bres,  all  of  which  are  though  and  flexible.     From  the  root  im- 
mediately flioots  a  ftalk  about  a  foot  and  an   half  long,  which 
t     at  the  top  branches  into  three  ftcms ;  each  of  thefe  has  three 
leaves,  much  of  the  lliape  and  fize  of  a  walnut  leaf;  and  from 
the  fork  ot   each  of  the  three  fterns  grows  a  bunch  of  bluifli 
white  flowers,  rcfembling  thofe  (||thc  fpikenard.     Tiie  bark  of 
.  the  roots,  which  alone  ftiould  beefed  in  medicine,  is  of  a  bit- 
terilh  flavour,  but  aromatic.     It  is  defervedly  eflccmcd  for  its 
mcdicnial  virtues,  being  a  gentle   fudoritic,  and  very  powerful 
in  attenuating  the  blood  when  impeded  by  grofs  humours.      '*^>^  • 

•,4,  /  GINSANG  is  a  root  that  that  was  once  fuppofcd  to  grow  on- 
]y  in  Korea,  trom  whence  it  was  ufually  exported  to  Japan, 
and  by  that  means  found  its  way  to  Europe;  but  it  has  been  late-  ' 
ly  difcovcred  to  be  alfo  a  native  of  Ndrth  America,  where  it 
grows  to  as  great  perfection,  and  is  equally  valuable.  Its  root 
is  like  a  fmall  carot,  but  not  fo  taper  at  the  end;  it  it  fometimcs 
■■k-  ^  \       ^  ^  ,     divide ' 

■■'     „-'■-■■::  ■^'•'  ..,■'■"    '  ""  V,  ,   '  .'-ISEi:' ;^:-'-* 

*"  !•«.■-    *  '     .  --^ 


,.V 


*   '  [     207    i 

divi'dcd  into  two  or  more  branches,  in  all  other  refpefts  it  re- 
fcmblcs  larfaparilla  in  Its  growth.  The  tafte  of  the  root  is  bit- 
tcrilTi.  In  the  caftern  parts  of  Aflait  bears  a  great  price,  being 
there  confidered  as  a  panacea,  and  is  the  laft  refuge  of  the  in- 
habitants in  all  difordcrs.  When  chewed  it  certainly  is  a  great 
ftrengthcner  of  the  ftomach. 

GOLD  THREAD.  This  is  a  plant  of  the  fmall  vine  kind, 
which  grows  in  Iwampy  places,  and  lies  on  the  ground.  The 
roots  fprcad  themfelves  juft  under  the  furface  of  the  morafs, 
and  arc  eafily  drawn  up  by  handfuls.  They  rcfemble  a  large 
entangled  skain  of  thread,  of  a  fine  bright  gold 'colour;  and  I 
am  pcrfuaded  would  yield  a  beautiful  and  permanent  yellow  dye. 
It  is  alfo  greatly  eftecmed  both  by  the  Indians  and  colonifts  as 
a  remedy  tor  any  forAiefs  in  the  mouth,  but  the  tafle  of  it  is 
cxquilitely  bitter. 

SOLOMON'S  SEAL  is  a  plant  that  grows  on  the  fides  of 
livers,  and  in  rich  meadow  land.  It  rifes  in  the  whole  to  about 
three  feet  high,  the  ftalks  being  two  feet,  when  the  leaves  be- 
gin to  fpread  themfelves  and  reach  a  foot  further.  A  part  in 
every  root  has  an  impreflion  upon  it  about  the  fize  of  a  fix- 
pence,  which  appears  as  if  it  was  made  by  a  feal,  and  from 
thefe  it  receives  its  name.  It  is  greatly  valued  on  account  of  its 
being  a  fine  purifier  of  the  blood. 

DEVIL'S  BIT  is  another  wild  plant,  which  grows  in  the 
fields,  and  receives  its  name  from  a  print  thatfcems  to  be  made 
by  teeth  in  the  rpots.     The  Indians  fay  that  this  was  once 
an  univeifal  jremedy  for  every  diforder  that  human  nature  is  in- 
cident to;  but  fome  of  the  evil  fpirits  envying  mankind  in  the 
poflcffion  of  fo  efficacious  a  medicine  gave  the  root  a  bite,  which 
deprived  it  of  a  great  part  of  its  virtue. 
'  BLOOD  ROOT.     A  fort  of  plantain  that  fprings  out  of  th#^ 
ground  in  fix  or  feven  long  rough  leaves,  the  veins  :of  which* 
are  redj  the  root  of  it  is  like  a  fmall  carrot,  both  in  colour  and 
appearance,"  when  broken,  the  infidc  of  it  is  of  a  deeper  co- 
lour than  th'i  outfide,  and  diftils  feveral  drops  of  juice  that  look 
like  blood.'   This  Is  a  ftrong  emetic,  but  a  very  dangerous  one. 


'■W 


A'i 


■■'i^*-- 


m 


H   E  fl   B   S. 


'  Balm,  Nettles,  Cinque,  Foil,  Eyebright,  Sanicle,  Plantain," 
Kattle  Snake  Plantain,  Poor  Robin's  Plantain,  Toad  Plantain, 
Alaiden  Hair,  Wild  Dock,  Rock  Liverwort,  Noble  Liverwort, 
Bloodwort,  Wild  Beans,  Ground  Ivy,  Water  Crcffes,  Yarrow, 
May  Weed,  Gargit,  Skunk  Cabbage  or  Poke,  Wake  Robin,  Be- 
tony,  Scabious,  Mullen,  WildFeafe,Moure  Ear,  Wild  Indigo, 
Tobajcco,  and  Cat  Mint,  ., ''  '  ' 


SANICLE 


■^ 


'1      ,Ai.t 


¥ 


*  SANICLE  has  a  root  which  is  thick  towards  the  upper  part, 
and  full  of  fmall  fibres  below ;  the  leaves  of  it  arc  broad,  round- 
ifli,  hard,  finooth,  and  of  a  fine  lliiniiig  green ;  a  ftalk  rifos  from 
ihcfe  to  the  height  of  a  foot,  which  is  quite  linooth  and  free 
from  knots,  and  on  the  top  of  it  arc  fcveral  fniail  flowers  of  a, 
rcddifli  white,  lliapcd  like  a  wild  rofe.  A  tea  made  of  the  root 
is  vulnerary  and  balfamic. 

RATTLE  SNAKE  PLANTAIN.  This  ufeful  herb  is  of  the 
plantain  kind,  and  its  leaves,  which  fprcad  themfelvcs  on  tho 
ground,  are  about  one  inch  and  an  half  wide,  and  five  inches 
long;  from  the  centre  of  thefe  arifes  a  fmall  ftalk,  nearly  fix 
inches  long,  which  bearsa  littlcwhiteflower;  the  root  is  about 
the  fize  of  a  goofe  quill,  and  much  bent  and  divided  into  fcve- 
ral branches.  The  leaves  of  this  herb  are  more  eificacious  than 
any  other  part  of  it  for  the  bite  of  the  reptile  from  which  it  rc- 
'ccives  its  name;  and  being  chewed  and  applied  immediately  to 
the  wound,  and  fome  of  the  juice  fwallowed,  fcldom  fails  of 
averting  every  dangerous  fymptom.  So  convinced  are  the  In- 
dians of  the  power  of  this  infallible  antidote,  that  for  a  trifling 
bribe  of  fpirituous  liquor,  they  will  at  any  time  permit  a  rattle 
fnakc  to  drive  his  fangs  into  their  flefli.  It  is  to  be  remarked 
that  during  thofe  months  in  which  the  bite  of  thefe  creatures  Is 
moft  venemous,  that  this  remedy  for  it  is  in  its^eateft  perfec- 
tion, and  moft  luxuriant  in  its  growth. 

POOR  ROBIN'S  PLANTAIN  is  of  the  fame  fpecics  as  tho 
laft/but  more  diminutive  in  every  refpeft;  it  receives  its  name 
from  its  fize,  and  the  poor  land  on  which  it  grows.  It  is  a  good 
medicinal  herb,  and  often  adminiftered  with  fuccefs  in  fevers 
and  internal  wcaknefl^es. 

TOAD  PLANTAIN  rcfembles  the  common  plaintain,  only 
^it  grows  much  ranker,  and  is  thus  denominated  becaufc  toads 
4ove  to  harbour  under  it. 

ROCK  LIVERWORT  is  a  fort  of  Liverwort  that  grows  on 
locks,  and  is  of  the  nature  of  kelp  or  mofs.  It  is  eftcemcd  as 
an  excellent  remedy  againfl:  declines. 

GARGIT  or  SKOKE  is  a  large  kind  of  weed,  the  leaves  of 
which  are  about  fix  inches  long,  and  two  inches  and  an  half 
broad;  they  refemble  thofe  of  fpinage  in  their  colour  and  tex- 
ture, but  not  in  iliape.     The  root  is  very  large,  from  which 
fpring  different  ftalks  that  run  eRght  or  ten  feet  high,  and  are 
lull  of  red  berries;  thefe  hang  in  clullers  in  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, and  arc  generally  called  pigeon  berries,  as  thole  b^rds 
then  feed  on  them.  When  theleavesfiift  fpring  from  theground,^; . 
after  being  boiled,  they  are  a  nutritious  and  wholefome  vege-|i^ 
table,  but  when  they  are  grown  nearly  to  their  full  fizc,  thej^5'«. 
€cquirc  a  poilbnous  quality.     The  roots   applied  to  the  handj^v,;? 
or  feet  of  a  pcrfon  afflicted  with  a  fever,  prove  a  very  power- 
ful abforbent. 

SKUNK  CABBAGE  or  POKE  is  an  herb  that  grows  in  moift 
aud  fwampy  places.     The  leaves  of  it  are  about  a  foot  lo'^St    ■ 


"tis*. 


^- 


And  fix  inches  broad,  nearly  oval,  but  rather  pointed.  Jhe 
tools  arc  coropofed  of  great  numbers  of  fibres,  a  lotion  of 
which  is  made  ufe  of  by  the  people  in  the  co'onies  tor  the  euro 
of  the  kch.  There  llTues  a  ftrong  musky  fmell  from  this  herb, 
fomething  like  the  animal  of  the  fame  name  before  dcfcribed) 
and  on  that  account  it  is  fo  termed. 

WAKE  ROBIN  is  an  herb  that  grows  in  fwrampy  land^ ;  its 
root  reftmbles  a  fmall  turnip,  and  if  tailed  will  greatly  inflame 
the  tongue,  and  immediately  convert  it  from  its  natural  fhape 
into  a  round  hard  fubllance;  in  which  ftate  it  will  continue  for 
fome  time,  and  during  this  no  other  part  of  the  mouth  will  be 
affcfted.  But  when  dried,  It  lofes  its  ^rlngent  quality,  and 
becomes  beneficial  to  mankind,  for  if  grated  into  cold  water, 
and  taken  Internally,  it  is  very  good  for  all  complaints  of  the 
bowels. 

WILD  INDIGO  is  an  herb  of  the  fame  fpecics  as  that  from 
whence  indigo  is  made  in  the  fouthern  colonies.  It  grows  in 
one  llalk  to  the  height  of  five  or  fix  inches  from  the  ground, 
when  it  divides  into  many  branches,  from  which  ilTuc  a  great 
number  of  fmall  hard  bluilh  leaves  that  fpread  to  a  great  breadth, 
and  among  thefe  it  bears  a  yellow  flower ;  the  juice  of  it  has  a 
very  difagreeable  fcent. 

CAT  MINT  has  a  woody  root,  divided  into  fcveral  branches, 
and  it  fends  forth  a  Dalk  about  three  feet  high ;  the  leaves  are 
like  thofe  of  the  nettle  or  betony,  and  they  have  a  ftrong  fmell 
of  mint,  with  a  biting  acrid  tafte;  the  floprers  grow  on  the  tops 
of  the  branches,  and  are  of  a  faint  purple  or  whitilK  colour.  It 
is  called  cat  mint,  becaufe  it  is  faid  that  cats  have  an  antipathy 
to  it,  and  will  not  let  it  grow.  It  has  nearly  the  virtues  o£ 
common  mint,  ♦        r 


FLOWERS. 


Heart's  Eafe,  Mlies  red  and  yellow.  Pond  Lilies,  Cowfllps, 
May  Flowers,  JelHimine,  Honeyfiickles,  Rock  Honeyfuckles, 
Roles  red  and  white.  Wild  Hollyhock,  Wild  Pinks,  GoIdenRod. 


t- 


1.'  V— . 


I  fhall  not  enter  into  a  minute  defcriptionofthe  flowers  above 
recited,  but  only  juft  obferve,  that  they  much  refemble  thofe  of 
the  fame  name  which  grow  in  Europe,  and  are  as  beautiful  in 
colour,  and  as  perfedl  in  odour,  as  they  can  be  fuppofed  to  be 
in  their  wild  uncultivated  ftate.  -  *« 


-<^, 


...jl,-'  .sji 

*  For  an  account  of  Tobacco,  fee  atrcatifc  I  have  publirtied  oa 
tli6  cuUuie  of  «that  plant. 

-^■-       ^       '  .   j)i    ■•--""*'•       •■:       FARINAt 


\^- 


.    i 


V 


-» t' 


f   aj»   1 


^'^ 


•  > 


..*.* 


FARINACEOUS  and  LEGUMINOUS; 
.^-  /¥  .iM       ROOTS,    &c._  .%  - 

Maize  or  Ituiian  Corn,  Wild  Ukc,  Beans,  the  Sqiiaft),  &c.    - 


MAI7R  or  INDIAN 
high,  on  it  ft.ilk  J'ull  of/onrfs,  which  is  ftiff  nnd  I'olid,  and  when 


CORN  prows    from  fix    to"tcn    fccff 
owns, 

green,  afx-Hindin^  with  a  iVcct  jirice.  Ihc  Icarci,  are  Ukc  thole 
ol'  the  iccil,  about  two  lest  in  length,  and  three  or  four  inches 
broad.  The  flowers  which  are  produced  at  forte  diflanccTronr 
the  fruit  6n  the  fume  plant,  grow  like  the  cars  of  oats,  antt 
arc  fomettincs  white,  yellow,  or  of  a  purple  colour.  The  feeds 
areas  lar{»c  as  peas,  and  like  them  quite  naked  and  fmooth,  buff 
of  a  roundilli  furface,  rather  comprelfed.  One  fpikc  generally 
con fift.+ of  about  fix  hundred  grains,  which  are  placed  cloCel/ 
together  in  rows  to  the  number  of  cigfit  or  tffn,  and  fometimes- 
twelve.  This  corn  fs  very  wholeforae,  cafy  of  digeftion,  and 
yields  as  good  nouriflnnent  as  any  other  lort.  After  tfhe  Indi- 
ans have  reduced  it  into  meal  by  pounding  it,  they  make  cakc^ 
of  it,  and  bake  them  before  the  lire.  I  have  already  mentioned' 
that  fome  nations  eat  it  in  cakes  before  it  is  rjpc,  in  which  ftate 
it  is  very  agreeable  to  the  palate,  and  extremely  nutritive. 

WILI>  RIGE.  This  grain,  which  grows  in  the  grcateft  plen- 
ty throughout  the  intdlTior  parts  of  North  Americn,  is  the  mo(V 
valuable  of  all  the  (pontaneous  produdilions  of  t?hat  country.  Ex- 
clufiveof  its  utility,  a:«  a  fupply  of  food  for  thofe  of  the  human' 
fjiecics,  whoiihihabit  thi.?  pan  of  the  canJinent,  and  obtained 
without  any  other  trouble  than  thatof  gathcring'itin,  the f-.veeb*^' 
ncfs  and  nutritious  quality  of  it  attrafts  an  intinit«  number  of 
wild  fowl  of  every  kind,  which  flock  from  diftant  climes,  to  en- 
joy this  rare  rcpaft;  and  by  it  become  inexpieflibly  lat  and  de- 
licious. In  future  pCTitKls  it  will  be  of  great  fervicc  to  the  in- 
fant colonies,  as  it  will  atiord  them  a  prefent  lupport,  until  \\\ 
the  courfe  of  cultivation  other  fuyplics  may  beproduced;  where- 
as ?n  t'fioie  realms  which  arc  uot  furnillied  with  this  bounteous 
j^Ift  of  nature,  even  if  the  chmatc  is  temperate  and  the  foil  good>> 
the  iirrt  fe'tlcrs  are  ofrcu  cxp"ofed  ro  great  hardfliips  from  tlic 
want  of  an  immediate  relburce  for  necellary  food.  This  ufeful 
^rain  grows  in  the  water  where  it  Is  about  two  feet  deep,  and 
where  it  iinds  a  rich  muddy  foil,  'i  he  flalka  ®f  it,,  and  the 
branches  or  ears  that  bear  the  feed,,refc™bie  oats  both  in  their 
appearance  and  manner  of  growing.  Theftalksare  full  of  joints, 
and  rife  more  than  eight  feet  above  the  water.  The  natives  ga-.* 
ther  the  grain  in  the  following  manner :  nearly  about  the  timer," 
That  it  begins  to  turn  from  its  oiilky  ftate  and  to  ripen,  theyrttrt 
th^yir  canoes  intetlic  midtVofk,  Jind  tying^bunches  of  it  togethelTv' 
jurt  below  the  eats,  with  bark,  Icaye  it  in  thl«  (itunrfon  three  or*"' 
i»^.i  wgCiiS  ion^er,  till  it  is  nerfctlly  riii*.    About  the  latter  end 


h*-,  '  ^i^ 


*fljtf 


*-f 


.^  I    w 


^  f{     211    SI        ■ 

of  5>epteinber  they  return  fo  the  river,  whene.ich  family  hiving 
its  fcparatc  allotment,  and  bcin^  able  to  liilbnguifti^tlicir  own 
jiropc/iy  by  tije  manner  of  taOcning  the  thcavcs,  ^athcrjn  the 
portion  that  belongs  to  thciw.     This  they  do  by  placing  their 
canoes  clofc  to  the  bunches  of  rice,  in  fuch  pofitlon  as  to  re- 
ceive the  grain  when  it  falls,  and  then  beat  it  out,  with  pieces  * 
of  wDod  formed  for  that  purpofc.    Having  done  this,  ihcy  dry 
it  witli*|!UDkc^  and  afterwards  tread  or  rub  off  thcoutfwehusi^; 
when  it  is  ftt  for  ufc  they  put  it  iito  the  skins  of  fawns,  oi; 
,  yonnj;  buffalos,  taken  off  nearly  whole  foj*  this  purpofe,,  and 
fcwed  into  a  f6rt  of  fack,  wherein  they  prcfervc  it  till  the  rc- 
turn.of  their  harvcft.*    It  has  been  the  fubjcft  of  much  fpccu- 
lation,  why  this  fpontancous  g\ain  is  not  found  in  any  other  re- 
gions of  America,  or  in  thole  countries  fituatcd  in  the  fame  pa- 
rallels of  latitude,  where  the  waters  arc  as  apparently  adapted^ 
for  its  growth  as  in  the  climates  I  treat  of.    As  for  inlhncc,' 
none  of  the  countries  that  lie  to  the  fouth  and  caft  of  the  great 
lakes,  even  from  the  provinces  north  of  the  Carollnas,  to  the 
,  evtremitics  of  I^abradorc,  produce  any  of  this  grain.     It  is  true 
I  found  great  quantities  of  it  in  the  watered  lands  near  Detroit, 
between  Lake  Huron  and  t-^'ke  Eriii,  but  on  enquiry  I  learnc*d. 
.  tjiat  it  never  arrived  nearer  to  maturity  than  juft  to  blofToin,-  af- 
tt-'r  which  it  appeared  blighted,  and  died  away.     Tliis  convinces 
me  that  the  north-wed  wind,  as  I  have  before  hinted,  is  much 
i^iorc  powcrlul  in  thefe  than  in  the  interior  parts;  and  that  it  Is 
more  inimical  to  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  after  it  has  palfed  over 
the  lakes,  and  become  united  with  the  wind  which  joins  it  from 
tjic  frozen  regions  of  the  north,  tliali  it  is  farther  to  the  weft- 
ward. 

BEANS.     Thtffe  are  nearly  of  the  fame  Ihape  as  the  European , 
beans,  but  arc  not  much  larger  than  the  fmallcll  {\zq  of  them.   ' 
They  arc  boiled  by  the  Indians,  and  eaten  chiclly  with  bear's 
ficl'h. 

The  SQUASH.  They  have  alfo  fcvcral  fpecies  of  the  ME- 
LON or  PUMPKIN,  which  by  fame  arc  called  fquaihes,  and  • 
which  fervc  many  nations  partly  as  a  fubflitute  for  bread.  Of 
thefe  there  is  the  round,  the  crane-neck,  the  Imall  flat,  and  the 
large  oblong  fquafh.  The  (mailer  forts  being  boiled,  arc  eaten 
during  the  fummer  as  vegetables ;  and  arc  all  of  a  plcafing  fla- 
V(nu-.  The  crane- neck,  which  greatly  excels  all  the  others,  are 
ufually  hung  up  for  a  winter's  llore,  and  in  this  manner  might 
tp  prel'crvcd  for  fcvcral  months.    -^  _,..^    -,   -  ,r-;.,jp 


m 


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IS /i^  i 


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appendix: 


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(    ai2   J 


1-  '     V  U     f 


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A  P  P  E  N   D  I  X. 


THE  countries  that  lie  between  the  gv^t  lakes  asd  River 
Mifnflippi,  and  from  thence  routh\vard  to  Weft  Florida, 
although  in  the  mid  ft  of  alarge  continent,  and  at  a  great  dif- 
tance  from  the  fea,  are  JTo  Htuated,  that  a  comBiunication  be* 
tween  them  and  other  realms  might  conveniently  be  opened; 
lify  which  means  thofe  empires  or  colonies  that  may  hereafter  be 
$       founded  or  planted  therein,  will  be  rendered  commercial  ones. 
The  great  River  Mifliffippi,  which  runs  through  the  whole  of 
them,  will  enable  their  inhabitants  to  eftablim  an  intercourfe 
with  foreign  climeS,  equally  as  well  as  the  Euphrates,  the  Nile, 
the  Danube,  or   the  Wolga  do  thofe  people  which  dwell  on 
,         their  banks,  and  who  have  no  other  convenience  for  exporting 
«        the  produce  of  their  own  country,  or  for  importing  thofe  of 
others,  than  boats  and  veflels  of  light  burden :  notwithftand- 
ing  which  they  have  become  powerful  and  opulent  ftates. 
The  Miffiflippi,  as  1  have  before  obferved,  runs  from  north 
^^        to  foutb,  and  paflfes  through  the  moft  fertile  and  temperate 
part  of  North  America,  excluding  only  j,he  extremities  of  it,.^ 
which  verge  both  on  the  torrid  and  frigid  zones.    Thus  favour-* 
^       ably  fituated,  when  once  its  banks  are  covered  with  inhabitants^ 
^^      they  need  not  long  be  at  a  lofs  for  means  to  eftablifh  an  exten- 
iive  and  profitable  commerce.    They  will  find  the  country  to-, 
wards  the  fouih  almoft  fpontaneoully  producing  filk,  cotton^ 
indigo,,  and  tobacco ;  and  the  more  northern  parts,  wine,  oil, 
beef,  tallow,  skins,  buffalo-wool,  and  furs,  with  lead,  copper, 
iron,  coals,  lumber,  corn,  rice,  and  fruits,  befldes  earth  and 
barks  for  dying. 

Thefe  articles,  with  which  it  abounds  even  to  profufion,  may 
be  tranfported  to  the  ocean  through  this  river  without  greater 
difficulty  than  that  which  att^ds^  the  conveyance  of  merchan- 
»•  dize  down  fome  of  thofe  I  have  juft  mentioned.  It  is  true  that 
the  Miiliflippi  being  the  boundary  between  the  Engliih  andSpa- 
nifli  fettlements,  and  the  Spaniards  in  poffeffion  of  the  iftouth 
•of  it,  they  may  obflruft  the  paflTage  of  it,  and  greatly  diihearten 
thofe  who  make  the  firft  attempts;  yet  when  the  advantages 
that  will  certainly  arife  to  fettlers  are  known,  multitude*  of  ad- 
venturers, allured  by  the  profpeft  of  fuch  abundant  riches,  will 
flock  to  it,  and  eftabliih  themfelvcs,  though  at  the  lexpcncc  of 
rivers  of  blood. 

But  fhould  the  nation  that  happens  to  be  injaolTeflion  of  New 
Orleans  prove  unfriendly  to  the  internal  fettflffs,  they  may  find 
a  way  into  the  Gulph  of  Mexico,  by  the  River  Iberville,  which 
empties  itfelt  from  the  Myfiflippi,  after  palling  through  Lake 
Maurepas,  into  Lake^  ronchartrain ;  which  has  a  communica- 
:  ~\,'  ■  '*  *    ■^^  V ...    ^flpfflp-*       tion 


'f 


K  t      213      ] 

tton  with  the  fca  within  the  borders  ©f  Weft-FIorida.    The 
Jlivcr  Iberville  branches  ofF  from  the  MifTiflippi  about  eighty 
miles  above  New  Orleans,  and  though  it  is  at  prefentchoakeci ' 
up  in  fome  parts,  it  might  at  ah  inconfiderable  expcncc  be  made 
navigable,  fo  as  to  anuvcr  all  thepurpofes  propofcd. 

Although  the  Englifh  have  acquired  fince  the  lafl  peace  a 
mo^'e  extenfive  knowledge  of  the  interior  parts  than  were  ever 
^  obtained  before,  even  by  the  French,  yet  many  of  ^hcir  pro- 
duftions  ftill  remain  unknown.  And  though  I  was  not  deficient 
cither  in  aflldujty  or  attention  during  the  lihort  time  I  rcmainc?4 
in  them,  yet  I  muft  acknowledge  that  the  intelligence  1  gained 
was  not  fo  perfeft  as  I  could  wifli,  and  that  it  requires  further 
refearches  to  make  the  world  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
real  value  of  thefe  long  hidden  realms. 

The  parts  of  the  MifniTippi  of  which  no  furvcy  have  hitlicr^ 
to  been  taken,  amount  to  upwards  of  eight  hundred  miles,  fol- 
lowing ths  courfe  of  the  ftream,  that  is,  from  the  Illinois  to  t!:e 
Ouifconfin  Rivers.  Plans  of  fuch  as  reach  from  the  Mifliflippi 
to  l^e  Gulph  of  Mexico,  have  been  delineated  by  feveral  hands, 
and  I  have  the  pleafure  to  find  that  anaftwa!  furvey  of  the  inter- 
mediate parts  of  the  Mifljffippi,  between  the  Illinois  River  and 
the  fea,with  the  Ohio,  Cherokee,  and  Ouabache  Rivers,  fakcj 
on  the  fpot  by  a  very  ingenious  Gentleman*,  is  now  pabliJ7icd, 
I  flatter:  myfelf  that  the  obfervations  therein  contained,  which 
have  been  made  by  one  whofe  knowledge  of  the  parts  therein 
defcribed  was  acquired  by  a  perfonal  inveftigation,  aided  by  a, 
folid  judgment,  will  coiiiirm  the  remarks  I  have  made,  and  piro- 
jHOte  the  plan  I  am  iierc  recommending. 

I  fhall  alfo  here  give  a  concife  defcription  of  cach^bcginninj^, 
according  to  the  rule  of  geographers,  with  that  whioi  lies  molt 
to  the  north. 

It  is  however  necelTary  to  obferve,  that  before  thefe  fettle- 
mcntfs  can  be  eftablilTied,  grants  muft  be  procured  in  the  raan-_ 
ner  cuftomary  on  fuch  occafions,  and  the  lands  be  purchafedof 
thofe  who  have  acquired  a  right  to  them  by  a  long  poffefTion; 
but  no  greater  difficulty  will  attend  the  completion  of  this  point, 
than  the  original  founders  of  every  colony  on  the  continent  met 
with  to  obftruft  their    intentions ;  and  the  number  of  Indiunti 
"  who  inhabit  thefe  trafts  being  greatly  inadequate  to  their  extent, 
it  is  not  to  be  doubted,  but  they  will  readily  give  up  for  a  re:;- 
fonable  confideration,  territories  that  arc  of  little  ufe  to  them; 
or  remove  for  the  accommodation  of  their  new  neighbours,  to 
lartds  at  a  greater  dillance  from  the  Miflifllppi,  the   navigation. 
»#      of  whi-ch  is  not  eflential  to  the  welfare  of  their  communities. 

No.  I.     The  country  within  thefe  lines,  from  its  fituation, 
is  colder  than  any  of  the  others;  yet  I  am  convinced  that  ^^%Q 
y       air  is  much  moro|tempcratc  than  in  thofe  p; evinces  that  lie  in'^- 
:  ,  the 

♦  Thomas  Hiitchins,  Efq;  Captain  in  his  Majefty's  <5otJi,  «>r  R^^^al 
American  Regiment  of  Fopt.  v?    • 


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I     2U     ] 

th<j  fame  degree  of  latitude  to  the  eafl  of  it.  The  foil  is  excels 
lent,  and  t'here  is  a  great  deal  of  land  that  is  free  from  woods 
in  the  parts  adjoining  to  the  Mifllllippi;  whilft  on  the  contia» 
XY  the  northqjpaftern  borders  of  it  are  wgell  wooded.  Towards 
the  heads  of  the  River  Saint  Q-oix,  rice  grows  in  "great  plenty, 
an'd  tiierc  is  abundance  of  copjfer.  Though  the  falls  of  vSaint 
Anthony  are  fituated  at  the  fouth-cail  corner  of  this  divifioji, 
yet  that  impediment  will  not  totally  obftrucH:  the  navigation,  as 
the  River  Sqint  Croix,  which  runs  through  a  great  part  of  the 
fouthern  fide  of  it,  inters  the-  Miflifllppi  juft  below  the  Falls, 
and  flows  with  fo  gentle  a  current,  that  it  affords  a  convcnicn?. 
navigation  for  boats.  This  traft  is  about  one  hundred  miles 
from  nortli-wcft  to  fouth-cafi;,  ajid  one  hundred  and  twenty  mi^Cj^ 
from  nnrth-eaft  to  fouth-wcll. 

No.  II.   This  trad,  as  }  have  aIrea(J'y  dcfcribed  it  In  my  Jour- 
nals, exceeds  the  highcft  encomiums  I  can   give  it;  notwith-^ 
ftanding  which  it  is  entirely  uninhabited,  and  the  profufion  of 
blcflings  that  nature  has  ihowered  on  this  heavenly  fpot,  return 
uncnjoyed  to  the  lap  from  whence  they  fprung.     Lake  Pepin,  as 
I  have  termed  it  after  the  French,  lies  within  theic  bounds ;*ut 
the  lake  to  which  that  name  properly  belongs  is  a  little  above  ' 
the  River  St.  Ci'oix;  however,  as  all  the  traders  call  the  lower 
lake  by  that  name,  I  have  fo  denominated  it,  contrary 'to  the 
information  I  received  from  tiie  Indians.     This  colony  lying  in 
unequal  angles,  the  dimenfions  of  it  cannot  be  exactly  given,' 
but  it  appears  to  be  on  an  average  about  one  hundred  and  te% 
miles  long,  and  eighty  broad.  '  '. 

No.  III.     The  greatert  pvt  of  this  divifion  is  fituated  on  thq 
Rfver  OuiXconfin,  which  is  navigable  for  boats  about  one  hun- 
dred and  ^^ity  miles,  till  it  reaches  the  carrying  place  that  di- 
vides it  froiiUhe  Fox  River.     The  land  which  is  contained  with- 
in its-limits,  is  in  fome  parts  mountainous,  and  in  others  confilh 
of  fertile  meadows  and  line  pallurage.     It  is  furnitlied  alfo  with 
a  great  deal  of  good  tin^ber,  and,  as  is  generally  the  cafe  on 
the  banks  of  the  JVliflillippi  and  its  branches,  has  much   fine, 
open,  clear  land,  proper  for  cultivation.     To  thcfe  arc  adde4 
an  inexhauftible  fund  of  rich^'s,  in  a  number  of  lead  mines  wiiich 
lie  at  a  little  diftunce  from  the  Ouifconfin  towards  the   fouth, 
and  appear  to  be  uncommonly  full  of  ore.     Although  the  Sau-i 
)vies  and  Ottagaumies  inhabit  9.  part  of  this  traft,  the  whole  of 
the  lands  under  their  cultivation  does  not  exceed  three  hundred 
acres.     It  is  iji  length  from  eull:  to  weft  about  one  hundred  and 
iifry  milcsf  and  about  eighty  froni  north  to  fouth. 

No.  IV.  This  colony  confifts  of  lands  of  various  denomi-^* 
nations,  fome  of  \vhlch  are  very  good,  and  others  very  bad. 
Tiic  belt  ib  fituated  on  the  borders  of  the  Green  Cay  and  the  Fox 
^l^i'cr,  where  there  are  innumerable  acres  covered  with  fine. 
jji'als,  mort  part  of  which  grows  to  an  allonilliing  height.  This 
river  will  afford  a  good  navigation  lor  boats  throughout  the 
whole  of  its  couife,  which  is  about  one  hundred  and  eighty 
_  •    '    ■ '  -,;     't  inilcii. 


"^, 


t* 


^^ 


% 


i      215      1 

mllciJ,  except  between  the  Winnchogo  Lake,  an.l  tlic  Grffcn 
Bay;  where  there  are  fcveral  carrjinf^-places  hi  the  fpace  of 
thirty  miles.  The  Fox  River  is  rendered  remarkable  by  the 
abundance  of  rice  that  i^rows  on  its  iTiores,  Tind  the  almoft  in- 
finite numbers  of  wild  fi)\vl  that  frequent  its  banks.  The  land 
which  lies  near  it  appears  to  bevery  fertile,  and  proniifes  to  pro- 
duce a  fufRcient  fupply  of  all  the  neceflaries  of  life  for  any  num- 
ber of  inhabitants.  A  communication  might  be  opened  by  thof^ 
who  fhall  fettle  here,  cither  through  the  Green  IJay,  Lake  Mi- 
chigan, Lake  Huron,  Lake  Eric,  and  Lake  Ontario  with  Cana- 
da, or  by  way  of  the  Ouifconfm  into  the  JMifliflippi.  This  di- 
vifiqn  is  about  one  hundred  and  fixty  miles  long 'from  north  to 
fouth,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  broad. 

No.  V.  TItIs  is  an  excellent  traft  of  land,  and,  confidcrii^g 
its  interior  fiUiation,  has  greater  advantages  than  could  be  cx- 
peftcd;  for  having  the  Mifliflippi  on  its  weftern  borders,  anJ 
the  Illinois  on  its  fouth-eaft,  it  has  as  free  a  navigation  as  moft 
of  the  others.  The  hortlTcrn  parts  of  it  are  fomcwhat  moun- 
tainous, bur  it  contains  a  great  deal  of  clear  land,  the  foil  of 
which  is  exc;;'lent,  w  itli-many  fine  fertile  meadows,  and  not  a  few 
rich  mines.  It  is  upwards  of  two  hundred  miles  from  north  to 
ibuth,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  from  eaft  to  weft. 

No.  VL  This  colony  being  (ituated  upon  the  heads  of  the 
Rivers  Illinois  and  Ouabache,  the  former  of  which  empties  it- 
felf  immediately  into  the  IVlifliflippi,  and  the  latter  into  the  f^mc' 
river  by  means  af  the  Ohio,  will  readily  llnd  a  communication 
with  the  Tea  through  thefe.  Having  alio  the  River  Miamis 
pafling  through  it,  which  runs  into  Lake  Eric,  an  intercourlb 
might  be  cdablilTied  with  Canada  alfo  by  way  of  the-  lakes,  as 
before  pointed  out.  It  contains  a  great  deal  of  rich  fertile  land, 
and  though  more  inland  than  any  of  the  others,  v/ill  be  as  va- 
luable an  acquifition  as  the  bell:  of  them.  From  north, to  fouth 
it  is  about  anc  hundred  and  fixLy  miles,  from  eaft  to  v/cft  one 
hundred  and  eighty. 

No.  VII.  This  divifion  is  not  inferior  to  any  of  the  fore- 
going. Its  northern  borders  lying  adjacent  to  the  Illinois  river, 
and  its  weitern  to  the  MiffiiTippi,  the  lituation  of  it  for  ertab- 
lllliirig  a  commercial  intercourfe  with  foreign  nations  is  very 
ctiminodious.  It  abomids  with  all  the  necellaries  of  life,  and  is 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from  north  to  fouth,  and  flx- 
ty  miles  from  cad  to  wefl;  but  the  confines  of  it  being  more  ir- 
regular than  the  others,  I  cannot  exa^^ly  afcerta|n  the  dimen-- 
fions  of  it. 

No.  Vin.  This  colony  Kaving  the  River  Ouabache  running, 
through  the  centre  of  it,  and  the  Ohio  for  its  fouthern  bounda- 
ry, will  enjoy  the  advantages  of  a.  free  navigation.  It  extends 
^.bout  one  hundred  and  forty  miles  from  north  to  fouth,  and 
erne  hundred  and  thirty  from  call  to  well. 

No.  IX.  X.  and  XI.  being  fimiUr  in  fituation,  tmd  furni/hcd 
ivith  nearly  the  fauw  conveniencics  as  all  the  otbas,  1  fliaJi  i^"-  . 


;* 


*1' 


ll^ 


M.. 


ly  give  their  dimenfions.  No.  IX.  13  about  eighty  miles  each 
way,  but  not  cxaftiy  fquare.  No.  X.  is  nearly  in  the  falneforln^ 
and  about  the  fame  extent.  No.  Xf.  is  much  larger,  being  at* 
leaft  one  l^unfdred  and  fifty  miles  from  north  to  fouth,  and  one 
hundred  and  forty  from  eafl  to  weft,  as  nearly  as  from  jts  irregu- 
larity it  is  pollible  to  calculate. 

After  the  defcription  of  this;delighlful  country  I  have  already 
given,  I  need  not  repeat  that  all  the  fpots  I  have  thus  pointed 
out  as  proper  for  colonization,  abound  not  only  with  ths  nc- 
celTaries  of  life,  being  well  ftored  with  rice,  deer,  buffalos, 
bears,  &c.  but  produce  in  equal  abundance  fuchas  may  be  term- 
ed luxuries,  or  at  leaft  thofe  articles  of  commerce  before  re- 
Tcited,  which  the  inhabitants  of  it  will  have  an  opportunity  of 
exchanging  for  the  needful  produflions  of  other  countries. 

The  dilcovery  of  a  north-weft  palTage  to  India  has  been  the 
fubjftt  of  innumerable  difquifitions.  Many  efforts  likewifehave 
been  made  by  way  of  Hudlbn's  Bay,  to  penetrate  into  the  Paci- 
fic Ocean,  though  without  luccefs.  I  (hall  not  therefore  trou- 
ble myfclf  to  enumerate  the  advantages  that  would  refult  from 
this  much  wiflied-for  difcovery,  its  utility  being  already  too 
wejl  known  to  the  commercial  world  to  need  any  elucidation;  I 
iKall  only  confine  myfelf  to  the  methods  that  appear  moft  pro- 
bable to  enfure  fucccfs  to  future  adventurers. 

The  many  attempts  that  have  hitherto  been  made  for  this  pur* 
pofe,  but  which  have  all  been  rendered  abortive,  feem  to  have 
turned  the  fpirit  of  making  uleful  rcfeaichcs  into  another  chan- 
nel, and  this  moft  interefting  one  has  ahnoft  been  given  up  as 
imprai-licable;  but,  in  my  opinion,  their  failure  rather  proceeds 
'from  their  being  begun  at  an  improper  nlace,  than  from  their 
iiiipraclicability. 

All  navigators  that  have  hitherto  gone  in  fearch  of  this  paf- 
lage,  have  lirft  cnteicd  Hudlbn's  Ijay ;  the  confequence  of  which 
has  been,  that  having  fpent  the  leafon  during  which  only  thofc 
teas  are  navigable,  in  exploring  many  of  the  numerous  inlets 
lying  therein,  and  this  uichuu:  difcovering  any  opening,  terri- 
ticd  at  the  approach  of  winter,  they  have  haftened  back  for  fear 
of  being  fro/  en  up,  and  confequentiy  of  being  obliged  to  con- 
tinue till  tiie  rcrturn  of  Innimer  in  thole  bleak  and  dreary  realms. 
Even  ilich  a^  have  perceived  the  coafts  to  enfold  themfcives, 
II' ui  who  have  of  couric  enieriaincd  hopes  of  fucceeding,  have 
been  deterred  from  proiecuting  tijeir  voyage,  left  the  winter 
iiitjuld  let  in  before  they  could  reach  a  more  temperate  climate. 

Thefe  apprehenlions  have  dilcoaraged  the  boldeft  adventurers, 
froiii  completing  the  expeditions  in  which  they  have  engaged, 
iUid  fvulhated  every  attempt.     Cut  a.s  it  has  been  difcovered  by 
inch  as  have  failed  into  the  northern  parts  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,^ 
that  there  are  many  inlets  which  verge  towards  Iludfon's  Bay," 
'it  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  that  a  palfagp  might  be  made, out 
from  that  quarter, "it"  it  be  fought  for  at  a  proper  feafon.     And 
fhould  theC«  exp(iita;ions  be  difappointed,  the  explorers  would 

aoc. 


*)*«:■ 


^ 


es  each 
neforinj 
aeing  at 
and  one 
s  irregur 

already 

pointed    , 

ths  nc- 
buffalos, 

be  tcrm- 
efore  re-* 
tunity  of 
ies. 

been  the^ 
wifehave^    -, 
the  Paci- 
bre  trou- 
jfult  from 
ready  too 
idation;  I 
moft  prO" 

>r  this  pur- 
im  to  have 
)ther  chan- 
ivcn  up  as 
X  proceeds 
from  their 

of  this  paf- 
ce  of  which 

only  thole 
cvous  inlets 
ining,  terri- 
)ack  for  fear 
gcd  to  con- 
ciiry  realms. 

thcmfclves, 

icding,  have 
\  the  winter 
rate  climate.    • 
kadventurers 
ave  engaged, 
liicovered  by 
'acific  Ocean, ^ 
ludfon's  Bay, 
be  made. out 
feafon.     And 
plorcrs  wouldj 
^  not 


*>> 


>  ^  t     217     1 

Jiot  be  inlhe  fame  hazardous  fituation  with  thofe  ivho  fct  out 
from  Hudfon's  Bay,  for  they  will  always  be  fure  of  a  fafe  re- 
treat, through  an  open  fea,  to  warmer  regions,  even  after  re- 
peated difappoiht^Ticnts.  And  this  confidence  will  enable  them 
to  proceed  with  greater  refolution,  and  probably  be  the  means 
of  efFefting  what  too  much  circumfpe^lion  or  timidity  has  pre- 
vented. 

Thcfe  reafons  for  alterfng  the  plan  of  enquiry  after  this  con- 
venient palTiige,  carry  with  them  fiich  conviftion,  that  in  the 
year  1774  Richard  Whitworth,  fifq;  member  of  parliament  for 
Stafford,  a  gentleman  of  an  extenfive  knowledge  in  geography, 
of  an  aftive  enterprifing  difpofition,  and  whofe  benevolent  minii 
is  ever  ready  to  promote  the  happinefs  of  individuals,  or  the 
welfare  of  the  public,  from  the  reprefentations  made  to  him  of 
the  expediency  of  it  by  myfelf  and  others,  intended  to  travel 
acrofs  the  continent  of  America,  that  he  might  attempt  to  car- 
ry a  fcheme  of  this  kind  into  execution. 

He  dcfigned  to  have  purfued  nearly  the  fame  route  that  I  did; 
and  after  having  built  a  fort  at  Lake  Pepin,  to  have  proceeded 
up  the  River  St.  Pierre,  and  from  thence  up  a  branch  of' the 
River  Meflbrie,  till  having  difcovered  the  fource  of  the  Oregau 
or  River  of  the  Wert,  on  the  other  fide  the  fummit  of  the  land.< 
that  divide  the  waters  which  run  into  the  Gulph  of  Mexico 
from  thofe  that  fall  into  the  Pacific  Ocean,  he  would  have  failed 
down  that  river  to  the  place  where  it  is  faid  to  empty  itfelf  neac 
the  Straights  of  Annian. 

Having  there  cftabliiTied  another  fettlement  on  fome  fpot  tha<: 
appeared  beft  calculated  for  the  fupport  of  his  people,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  fome  of  the  inlets  wliich  tend  towards  tlicj 
north-eaft,  he  would  from  thence  have  begun  his  refcarchc,;. 
This  gentleman  was  to  have  been  attended  in  the  expedition  hv* 
Colonel  Rogers,  myfelf,  and  others,  and  to  have  taken  out  with 
him  a  futlicient  number  of  artiliccrs  and  mariners  for  building 
the  forts  and  velfels  neceiTary  on  the  occafion,  and  for  navigat- 
ing the  latter,-  in  air  not  lefs  than  iifty  or  fixty  men.  The  grant,-; 
and  other  requfites  fcrr  this  purpofe  were  even  nearly  complet- 
ed, when  the  prefenf  troubles  in  America  began,  which  put  a 
Hop  to  an  enterprise  that  promifed  to  be  of  inconceivable  ad*^ 
vantage  to  the  Britilh  dominions.  v 


"*>« 


N       I       S, 


& 


■'■■''^  '.. 


)>1 


•.k.;  * 


